Magelang, Central Java. Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, has partnered with conglomerate Lippo Group to open a new "Santri" hospital in Tegalrejo, near Magelang in Central Java. 

The hospital, aptly named Syubbanul Wathon General Hospital after a song popular among the NU community, "Love of the Homeland," is a pilot project for community-based healthcare co-development by the Islamic organization and the business group. 

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, who is a senior NU cleric, inaugurated the hospital on Thursday even though it has been in operation since January. 

Also present at the event were Lippo Group founder and chairman Mochtar Riady, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and NU Chairman Said Aqil Siraj. 

The hospital is developed and managed under a partnership between the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), the Syubbanul Wathon Foundation and Lippo Group's listed hospital arm Siloam International Hospitals. 

"Thank you to the communities in Tegalrejo and the Magelang district government who have supported us and provided us with an opportunity to take part in the development of this area, especially to meet its need for the best quality health services," Mochtar said.

The Syubbanul Wathon General Hospital is the first of its kind in Tegalrejo, home to 13,000 students, or "santri," in NU's Islamic boarding schools.

NU said on its website many santris were forced to abandon their study in the past due to health problems that could not be treated since there were no adequate health facilities in the area. 

The hospital aims to improve the welfare of local communities by providing high-quality health services. 

The synergy between PBNU and Lippo Group will set an example for the improvement of public health services in other regions.

"We welcome the private sector in developing and providing health services to the people of Indonesia, such as this synergy between the Lippo Group and PBNU. We hope this partnership can get stronger and continue to provide optimal services for the community," Terawan said.

Said Aqil said in addition to providing access to modern and high-quality health services, the collaboration has opened up employment opportunities for local residents.

"We hope the Syubbanul Wathon Hospital will bring benefits and blessings to the people of Tegalrejo and Magelang," he said. 

BPJS Kesehatan Services

The 122-bed hospital offers a complete array of services and facilities, including a 24-hour emergency service, 24-hour laboratory and pharmacy and supporting facilities such as ultrasonography and X-ray.

The Syubbanul Wathon General Hospital also employs local workers who have undergone intensive training to provide the best health services possible.

The hospital has also been serving patients on the national health insurance scheme (BPJS Kesehatan) since Nov. 1, its director Erni Murdaningsih said.