Healthcare workers demand overdue pay, calling on the local government for immediate action.
Hundreds of healthcare workers in Natuna staged a protest outside the Regent’s Office on Monday, March 10, 2025. The demonstrators, consisting of civil servant medical personnel from various hospitals and community health centers, voiced their frustration over a four-month delay in receiving their Additional Employee Income (TPP). Clad in black and white uniforms with black ribbons tied to their arms, the protesters carried banners calling on President Prabowo Subianto to intervene in their plight.
The protest, held outside the office of the Natuna Regent, highlighted the financial struggles of medical professionals working in one of Indonesia’s outermost regions. They argued that despite their dedication to providing healthcare in remote areas, their wages remained unpaid for months. The situation, they claimed, not only affected their well-being but also compromised patient care.
The protesters, led by Dr. Cristeven, voiced their grievances through speeches and banners. “We demand our rights. We hope the Regent will listen to our concerns,” he declared during the demonstration. Many expressed their anger over the reduction in their TPP payments, which they argued was unfair given the risks they face in the field. The delayed salaries had reportedly caused financial strain on their families, with some struggling to cover basic expenses.
Plea to the Central Government
Beyond addressing local authorities, the protesters also directed their calls to President Prabowo Subianto, urging him to intervene. They emphasized that working in Natuna, a remote border region, comes with unique challenges, including limited access to medical supplies and harsh working conditions. They argued that their dedication should be met with fair compensation and timely payments.
The demonstrators carried banners that read: “Pay our four-month TPP wages. Help us, Healthcare Workers at Indonesia’s Borders, President Prabowo Subianto.” This direct appeal underscored their desperation for attention from the highest levels of government.
To ensure order, security forces from the Natuna Police and local Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) were deployed to monitor the demonstration. The protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or disruption. Protesters adhered to the planned demonstration route, ensuring that public services were not obstructed.
Local Government’s Response
Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan met with representatives of the healthcare workers to discuss their concerns. Following the meeting, she assured the protesters that her administration was working on a solution. “We acknowledge the delays and are actively seeking ways to resolve them,” she stated. The local government cited budgetary adjustments and central government regulations as reasons for the payment backlog.
While the protest ended without incident, healthcare workers remain hopeful that their demands will be met. They stressed that they would continue pushing for their rights until their salaries were fully paid. Many returned to work after the demonstration, but their frustrations lingered. Without swift action, tensions between healthcare workers and the local administration could escalate further.
The delayed salaries of Natuna’s healthcare workers highlight deeper issues within Indonesia’s healthcare funding system. The protest underscores the struggles of medical professionals in remote areas and the urgent need for systemic reform. If left unresolved, such disputes could discourage healthcare professionals from serving in outer regions, exacerbating Indonesia’s healthcare accessibility challenges. The coming weeks will reveal whether the local government will fulfill its promises or if further action will be necessary.
Sources: Zona Kepri (2025), Bursa Kota (2025)
Keywords: Healthcare Workers, Salary Delays, Government Responsibility, Additional Employee Income, President Prabowo
