Pediatrics in Indonesia

Pediatrics is the field of medicine that focuses on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 21. Medical doctors who specialize in this field are called pediatricians. Not only do they provide medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill, but they also provide preventative health services for healthy children. They manage the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children under their care through all stages of growth and development. They are involved in the prevention, early detection, and management problems, including:

• Developmental delays and disorders
• Functional disabilities
• Behavioral problems
• Social stresses
• Mental disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders.

When children get hurt or sick, they treat a range of injuries and diseases, such as infections, cancers, organ diseases, and dysfunctions, as well as genetic and congenital conditions. Some pediatricians are primary care physicians (meaning they are your first stop for general medical care and wellness visits for your children), while others specialize. There are more than 30 pediatric specialties, including pediatric oncology (the treatment of cancers in children), pediatric neurology (the treatment of brain and nervous system disorders in children), and pediatric cardiology (the treatment of heart conditions in children).

In general, pediatricians perform the following procedures to take care of your child:

• Physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, infections, and other health problems
• Evaluate your child’s physical, emotional, and social development
• Give you information about your child’s health, fitness, safety, and nutrition needs
• Prescribe medications and antibiotics
• Give vaccinations
• Refer you to a specialist if they think your child needs expert care. 

How Long Should I Stay in Indonesia?

In most cases, you and your child can leave the hospital or clinic right away after a pediatric procedure. Depending on the type of diagnostic test or medical treatment your child receives, you should plan to stay in Indonesia for around 2 to 7 days. During your stay, your child may need to attend several follow-up checkups where the pediatrician checks if the treatment is working for them.  

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery times can be different from one child to another, depending on the overall health of your child, the specific condition they have, and the treatment they receive. For diagnostic tests, such as a physical exam, there is typically no recovery time needed. After vaccination, some children may develop a fever for 1 to 2 days. The pediatrician will let you know when your child can resume their normal activity level and go back to school after treatment.

What Aftercare is Required?

During your child’s recovery period, it is important that you monitor them closely. Make sure that they drink plenty of liquid, eat a healthy diet (as recommended by the pediatrician), and get plenty of rest. A regular visit to the pediatrician is important, every two to three months for children aged 1-month-old to 2 years old, every six months for 2 to 3 years old, and then once a year after the age of 4 up to 21. 

What's the Success Rate?

As the field of pediatrics continues to advance, the safety and success rate of pediatrics procedures continues to increase as well. With new technology, more knowledge, and a deeper understanding of pediatrics, the death rate of infants and children has been decreasing significantly in the last century. Of course, all procedures carry some type of risks and side effects. For instance, vaccinations have some side effects such as low-grade fever, soreness, temporary headache, or a severe allergic reaction. 

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to seeing a pediatrician that manages the health, growth, and development of your child. Should your pediatrician found something that needs specialized care, they will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Pediatrics in and around Indonesia

About Indonesia

Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia, located between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is the 4th most populous country in the world with over 260 million inhabitants. The country consists of more than 17,000 islands, which makes it the largest island country in the world. It is packed with beaches, volcanoes, tropical jungles, exotic animals, and culture. This wonderful country invites any adventurous traveler to explore its dramatic landscape. Today, Indonesia is also a potential medical tourism destination. Although it is not as popular as its neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in terms of medical tourism, the country actually houses numerous excellent medical centers. Many of the medical practitioners are well-trained and can communicate in English. The medical centers are equipped with cutting-edge technology and offer a wide range of affordable treatments. Some of the most sought-after treatments are blepharoplasty, liposuction, and breast augmentation.

Popular Parts of Indonesia

From busy metropolises, and sparkling beaches, to tropical rainforests, tourists will be able to find anything they want here.

• Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. It is the melting pot of Indonesia's many cultures because thousands of people from all over the country live and work here. The city is home to numerous museums, some of which are the biggest in the country, such as the National Museum of Indonesia and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN). The most famous landmark in the city is the National Monument or Monas which commemorates the Indonesian struggle for independence. The city also has a unique old city known as Kota Tua, where tourists can find many interesting colonial buildings.  
• Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist destination which attracts more than 15 million tourists every year. The island is packed with striking beaches, diverse marine life, jungle-covered mountains, lively nightlife, opulent culture, and spiritual energy. Almost every beach on the island is worth visiting, particularly Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Padang Padang Beaches. You can visit the Pura Tanah Lot and witness its scenic beauty or go to Ubud Monkey Forest to watch the monkeys and explore the sacred temples.
• The Special Region of Yogyakarta is the center of Java’s traditions and it is the only region in Indonesia that officially recognizes the monarchy. The region is home to numerous ancient buildings and temples. Visit Borobudur temple in the early morning to watch the sunrise, and watch the sunset from Prambanan or Ratu Boko temples. Tourists who are eager to learn about the region’s past can wander around Taman Sari, a park of palaces, pools, and waterways belonging to the sultan.
• Medan is the largest city on the island of Sumatra and it is a gateway to the western part of Indonesia as well as a busy trading city. The most important attraction in Medan is Lake Toba which is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is a massive crater lake with an island in its center. The island, named Samosir, is almost as big as Singapore. This enormous lake has a depth of 450 meters, making it more like an ocean rather than a lake. The clear lake with picturesque mountains in the background gives an incredible view that will leave anyone in awe.
• Bandung is widely known as Parijs van Java or the Paris of Java because of its resemblance to Paris and European cities. Located on a river basin surrounded by volcanic mountains, it has a significantly cooler temperature than any other part of Indonesia. The city is a weekend gateway for people from the surrounding cities and it is popular for its delightful food, fashionable boutiques, creative arts, and lush green spaces. The city is filled with Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Gothic buildings such as the Savoy Homann Hotel and De Vries Building.

Weather and Climate in Indonesia

Indonesia experiences an entirely tropical climate. The average temperatures can vary based on the area. Coastal areas have an average temperature of 28 °C, the inland and mountain areas have an average of 26 °C, and the higher mountain areas have an average of 23 °C. There are two seasons in the country, but the seasons can start differently in each region. Generally, June to October is the dry season and November to March is the rainy season. The dry season is influenced by the Australian continental air masses and has a slightly cooler temperature than the rainy season. Tourists can expect mostly sunny days, but there will be some short rain showers. The rainy season can be very humid, and wet, and has a significant amount of rain.

Getting Around in Indonesia

Indonesia is well-connected by airports in almost every region. However, the largest airports are Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Both airports serve domestic and international flights to major cities around the globe. There are budget airlines in almost every airport, including Air Asia, Citilink, and Wings Air. Domestic flights can be rather expensive but will make traveling around the cities a lot easier. 

Getting around the islands of Java and Sumatra can easily be done by trains operated by PT. KAI. There are 5 classes of trains: economy, business, executive, priority, and sleeper. The economy class can be a little uncomfortable and crowded, but tourists can get around several cities for as low as $4. Since the country is an archipelago, tourists can also travel from one island to another by ferry boats (long-distance) and speed boats (short distances such as Bali to Lombok).

Most of the cities will have their own mode of transport. The most common mode of transport is taxis and buses. Taxis are normally metered, but some drivers refuse to use the meter and force tourists to pay a fixed fare. Tourists should avoid riding these kinds of taxis and always insist on using the meter. The most reliable taxi companies are Blue Bird and Express. Bigger cities like Jakarta have MRT, LRT, and KRL (local trains).

Tourist Visas in Indonesia

Citizens of 170 jurisdictions can visit and stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days. Visa on arrival is available for 68 countries including Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Nationals not listed in the visa exception agreement and visa on arrival need to obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to check at your nearest Indonesia Embassy or Consulate for the visa policy. All visitors will need to have a passport valid for at least 6 months and a valid return ticket.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) and $1 will get you approximately Rp14.000.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in many cities. Credit cards are accepted in most established restaurants and hotels. If you are planning to visit small towns, it is advisable to carry some cash. Tipping is not essential but will be highly appreciated.
3. Local Language: The official language is Bahasa Indonesia and people in major cities and tourist areas will speak and understand English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population follows Islam, but there are small groups of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and Confucianism. It is important to know that Indonesian people are friendly and conservative. Avoid wearing revealing clothes except on the beach.
5. Public Holidays: Indonesia celebrates numerous national and religious holidays such as Independence Day, Eid Mubarak, Christmas, Vesak, and Nyepi.