UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and AIA Discuss Health Protection Scheme for International Students and Academic Community
Cirebon, June 3, 2025 – The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC) hosted a strategic meeting with representatives from AIA Indonesia to discuss collaborative health protection solutions for international students and university staff. The meeting was led directly by the Director of the International Office, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. and attended by AIA representatives including Mr. Laurens, Mr. Argo, and Ms. Roma. The meeting was conducted synchronously, the discussion took place in an open and collaborative atmosphere. The main focus of the meeting was to tailor an insurance program that fits the needs of the university community while ensuring accessibility and transparency. The active role of the International Office highlights its ongoing commitment to enhancing support services for international students.
One of the key topics was the annual insurance premium for international students, proposed at approximately Rp9.4 million per person per year. AIA explained that if a claim exceeds Rp30 million, an additional 30% fee would apply. However, if no claims are made during the coverage period, the premium remains unchanged. This flexible model is considered fair and accommodating, especially for students from diverse financial backgrounds. The International Office plans to confirm the final numbers before implementation to ensure full clarity.
Another highlight was the Brasa program, a comprehensive health solution designed for university employees, with annual premiums ranging between Rp6 to Rp6.5 million per person. The program covers inpatient care, surgeries, ICU treatment up to 20 days, disability and death benefits, as well as return-of-body benefits. AIA emphasized that the plan is designed to be budget-conscious while ensuring access to proper medical care. The International Office also sees potential in extending this benefit to support staff who work directly with international students.
During the discussion on claims and reimbursement, Ms. Roma from AIA explained that participants may access hospital services cashlessly for inpatient care, while outpatient services follow a reimbursement system. Outpatient claims require documents such as the outpatient form, hospital invoice, and prescription. AIA also mentioned that e-voucher or virtual insurance (ev/pi) systems are still in the proposal stage and are not yet integrated into the campus profile—particularly important for interns and part-time staff. The International Office expressed the importance of digital integration to streamline access and efficiency.
Both sides also agreed on the urgency of financial literacy and insurance awareness, particularly to address the stigma surrounding insurance among international students. AIA plans to host financial literacy workshops and health training programs in collaboration with hospital and clinic partners. The International Office welcomed this initiative, aligning with its vision to create a healthy, secure, and inclusive environment on campus. “We want our international students to feel protected from the moment they arrive in Indonesia,” shared one of the IO staff.
As part of long-term planning, AIA also opened the door for collaboration with the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI) to explore programs related to insurance-based economic development. In addition, a future meeting with the Vice Rector III is planned to discuss extending health protection to KIP scholarship recipients. These initiatives reflect UINSSC’s broader goal of building a resilient support ecosystem for all students, regardless of nationality. The International Office will serve as the key liaison in coordinating the next steps.
To close the session, both institutions agreed to roll out insurance socialization programs, financial education, and health training in stages, starting in the upcoming academic year. A joint effort will also be made to prepare practical insurance guides in English, ensuring international students clearly understand their rights and procedures. The International Office emphasized that this collaboration is not just about health protection—it’s a shared commitment to well-being and global solidarity.
With this promising start, the International Office is ready to move into the implementation phase. As UINSSC expands its internationalization efforts, having an integrated insurance system will add immense value to its identity as a global host institution. “We want international students to feel that they are not just guests, but part of the UINSSC family,” concluded Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D.
Author: Bustanul Arifin