Askes targets Rp 1.7t in profits

JAKARTA. State-owned health insurance firm PT Asuransi Kesehatan (Askes) has targeted Rp 1.7 trillion (US$190 million) in profits this year, a similar amount to its profits in 2010, the company says.

Askes president director I Gede Subawa on Wednesday said the company's operating costs would increase to Rp 5.5 trillion this year from Rp 4.5 trillion last year, despite an estimate that the firm's revenue would jump to Rp 8.9 trillion this year from Rp 7.8 trillion in 2010.

Between 74 and 80 percent of the firm's operating costs cover medical expenses at hospitals, while the remainder will be allocated to cover costs at health centers. (The Jakarta Post)