DOI : https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i10.10722

Professional Disciplinary Authority, Institutional Independence, and Patient Safety Governance in Indonesia: A Qualitative Policy Analysis

Ardiyanto Panggeso (1), John Pieris (2), Aarce Tehupeiory (3), Daniel Yusmic Pancastaki Foekh (4)
(1) Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
(2) Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
(3) Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
(4) Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Panggeso, A., Pieris, J., Tehupeiory, A., & Yusmic Pancastaki Foekh, D. (2026). Professional Disciplinary Authority, Institutional Independence, and Patient Safety Governance in Indonesia: A Qualitative Policy Analysis . Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia, 9(10), 1823–1835. https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i10.10722
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Introduction: Disciplinary arrangements form part of the way health systems protect patients and hold practitioners accountable. Changes to these arrangements can influence how unsafe practice is identified, how adverse events inform learning, and whether the public trusts professional oversight. This study examines the redistribution of disciplinary authority between profession-based oversight and state-linked administrative governance in Indonesia, with attention to patient safety, professional accountability, and health system legitimacy.


Methods: A qualitative policy analysis was conducted using Indonesian legislation, implementing regulations, ministerial regulations, and judicial decisions. Literature on health governance, professional regulation, and patient safety informed the interpretation. Documents were examined deductively for institutional independence, the redistribution of disciplinary authority, transparency, procedural fairness, epistemic adequacy, and accountability that supports learning.


Results: The documents indicate a move towards administrative consolidation and closer state-linked oversight of professional discipline. The reform changes both the location of disciplinary authority and how professional conduct is assessed. Better coordination and clearer accountability are possible, although the arrangements also raise questions about independent judgment, profession-specific expertise, and procedural fairness. The analysis identifies a plausible pathway connecting disciplinary design with reporting incentives, professional trust, organisational learning, and safety culture. Transparent and fair procedures that support learning may strengthen patient safety governance. Opaque or predominantly punitive processes may instead inhibit reporting and encourage defensive practice.


Conclusion: Professional discipline should be treated as part of public health regulation. In Indonesia, administrative consolidation needs to be accompanied by institutional independence, appropriate technical expertise, and transparent, fair procedures. Incorporating just-culture principles and opportunities for learning into disciplinary practice is a central policy priority for patient protection, professional and public trust, and accountable health system reform in low- and middle-income settings.

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