Mapping the Landscape of Palliative Care in Indonesia: A Scoping Review of Availability, Accessibility, and Quality

Abstract

Indonesia has made notable strides in palliative care services over recent decades, yet substantial challenges persist, particularly in rural and under-resourced regions. This scoping review assesses the current landscape of palliative care in Indonesia, focusing on service availability, accessibility, and quality, including the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology and the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework, relevant studies published between 2016 and 2024 were sourced from databases such as ScienceDirect and PubMed. Findings indicate that although some progress has been achieved, palliative care services remain limited and unevenly distributed, with stark urban–rural disparities and a heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments or charitable support. Integration into the national healthcare system remains minimal, hindered by inadequate infrastructure, insufficient policy implementation, and a shortage of trained providers. In the absence of formal support, the burden of care largely falls on family members, who face significant financial and emotional strain. These findings underscore an urgent need for strengthened policy frameworks, dedicated funding mechanisms, and culturally appropriate care models to improve access and equity. Future efforts should prioritize embedding palliative care into Indonesia’s core health services while addressing the diverse needs of patients and families across the country.