To help address significant health gaps in Indonesia, stemming from factors such as economic and geographic inequalities, Indonesia needs comprehensive health data. Since 2007, the MoH has begun to gather these data through the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas). In 2019, the MoH started the Indonesia Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) to measure the nutrition status of children under five and its determinants. To enable a more effective and efficient data gathering and analysis, the MoH combined and improved Riskesdas and SSGI into the SKI 2023. The survey measures key health areas, including health inequity, nutritional disparities, infectious and noncommunicable diseases. By collecting comprehensive data, the survey helps identify these gaps and facilitates targeted interventions to improve the overall health and well-being of Indonesians.
Provincial technical officers learn about the Indonesia Health Survey methodology during the master training session. Credit: BKPK, MoH/Nowo Setiyo Raharjo
In 2023, BKPK initiated the SKI, a comprehensive survey aimed to gather essential data for informed policymaking. It was a collaborative effort involving various government agencies, including the Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, and the Secretariat of the Vice President Office.
SKI 2023 focused on assessing the health status of the Indonesian population, considering indicators such as morbidity, disability, nutritional status, environmental health, and health-related knowledge and behaviors. It also delved into health services, including access, coverage, and service quality. Essential measurements like body weight, height, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels were collected at the national level to provide a comprehensive health overview of Indonesia.
To ensure the success of SKI 2023, WHO supported BKPK by providing feedback and recommendations on the survey questionnaire. WHO assisted BKPK in conducting training workshops, including a master training for provincial technical officers. These workshops aimed to equip provincial technical officers and other participants with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective survey implementation.
Master training participants participate in training on the ground, gaining hands-on experience.
Credit: BKPK, MoH/Nowo Setiyo Raharjo
The training programme featured online and in-person training sessions. The online training was held in July 2023, engaging 47 provincial technical officers from all 38 provinces. Participants gained insights into the survey instrument, effective interview techniques, questionnaire procedures, and ethical considerations. The in-person training involved 356 participants. This training focused on practical aspects such as field data collection, biomedical procedures, and efficient data management. Participants practiced completing the questionnaire, conducted field trials, and received guidance on measurement precision and accuracy.
The training substantially enhanced provincial technical officers' knowledge and capabilities, enabling them to become trainers for district/municipal technical officers, ensuring a widespread transfer of knowledge crucial for the survey’s success.
During the master training's opening, the Secretary of BKPK Nana Mulyana highlighted the survey's significance, stating, "Surveys such as SKI 2023 lay the foundation for our national development plans and offer valuable insights for regional health planning. They provide the essential data needed to shape the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). Additionally, SKI 2023 will measure the health status of Indonesia's population and its determinants, emphasizing its significance not only at the national level but also for the benefit of provinces and districts”.
By collecting comprehensive health data, SKI 2023 sets the stage for evidence-based policies and programmes tailored to community needs. It can be utilised to monitor progress, direct policies, and determine changes were needed. All of this together will ultimately change the health and well-being of Indonesians for the better.
Following the master training for provincial technical officers, similar training sessions were conducted for district technical officers and data field collectors. The SKI 2023 officially collected data in August-October 2023, and now in the process of analysing the data. The SKI 2023 results will be published in 2024, marking a significant step towards effective and evidence informed policymaking.
Written by Kanti Laras, National Professional Officer for Health Information System