Implementation, Regulation, and Implications of Telemedicine in Indonesia: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Telemedicine in Indonesia has evolved significantly since 2015, from an undervalued application during pre-pandemic (2019) to an essential component and embedded into the Indonesia healthcare system. This integrative literature review synthesizes 45 studies published between 2015 and 2025. It assesses telemedicine technological infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, human resources, organizational integration, benefits, and challenges. The pandemic dramatically accelerated adoption of telemedicine.  The pandemic forced users to deal with telemedicine causing the users exploded from approximately 4 million to 15 million during 2020-2021. Telemedicine platforms like Halodoc and Alodokter rose in a night and played major contribution since then. Despite its benefit, telemedicine also raises several concerns in infrastructure barriers, such as inadequate internet infrastructure, pronounced urban-rural divides, imbalance distribution of human resources and unreliable electricity, exacerbate the imbalances among regions. Benefit includes enhanced access for underserved populations, effective chronic disease management, reduced hospitalizations, and high satisfaction. Challenges in telemedicine persists encompassing digital literacy deficits, provider training gaps, and uncertain reimbursement. The review highlights the need for equity-focused policies, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and continuous improvement to develop a sustainable, integrated telemedicine ecosystem