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Abstract

This study examines healthcare in Indonesia’s archipelagic region, using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 informants, including island residents, medical professionals, and government officials. Findings reveal inadequate medical facilities on the islands, particularly for emergencies. For instance, there is only one hospital on Arajasa Island, established in 2023, while smaller, less populated islands rely solely on public health centers staffed by general practitioners, lacking specialists. Patients requiring specialized care must be referred to an off-island hospital, but transportation is limited and weather-dependent, leading to high personal costs if ships or boats are unavailable. In response, the Sumenep government has implemented initiatives, such as offering additional incentives for nurses since 2017, to boost the number of medical professionals. They also use a people-to-people approach to promote health awareness and encourage timely medical attention, fostering trust among island residents and preventing conditions from worsening. The study highlights the importance of community-based healthcare strategies tailored for geographically isolated populations, which would make the abstract more impactful.

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