Many people assume that a kidney transplant donor must come from a family member. In reality, this is not always the case. In addition to biological relatives, kidney donors can also be spouses, friends, or even unrelated individuals. However, there are specific medical requirements and considerations that must be met to ensure the transplant process is safe and successful.
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Does a kidney transplant donor have to be a family member?
A living kidney donor is someone who donates one of their kidneys while still alive to a recipient suffering from kidney failure. Donors can come from family members such as parents, children, or siblings. However, they do not necessarily need to be biologically related. Individuals such as friends, coworkers, or even neighbors can also become kidney donors.
Both kidneys from living donors and deceased donors can be used for transplantation and provide good outcomes. However, kidneys from living donors generally have advantages, such as longer durability and a higher likelihood of functioning immediately after transplantation. Additionally, the procedure can be scheduled at a suitable time for both the donor and the recipient.
Finding a living donor can also significantly shorten the waiting time for transplantation, as receiving a kidney from a deceased donor may take years.
Important requirements to become a kidney donor
The requirements for becoming a kidney donor are regulated under Government Regulation No. 53 of 2021 and the Indonesian Ministry of Health Regulation No. 38 of 2016. These requirements are divided into medical and administrative criteria:
Medical requirements for kidney donors
To become a kidney donor, several medical criteria must be met, including:
- Aged approximately 18 to 60 years
- Physically and mentally healthy
- Blood type compatible with the recipient
- Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 kg/m²
- Non-smoker
- No use of narcotics, alcohol, or illegal substances
- Not pregnant
- No prior history of organ transplantation
- Normal blood pressure
- No diabetes
- No cancer or history of malignancy
- No autoimmune diseases
- No vascular disorders
- Not on long-term medication
All of these medical requirements will be verified through a comprehensive health evaluation. If the candidate passes the assessment, they may proceed to the next stage of the transplant preparation process.
Administrative requirements for kidney donors
In addition to medical criteria, prospective donors must also fulfill administrative requirements in accordance with the Indonesian Ministry of Health Regulation No. 38 of 2016, including:
- A medical certificate confirming eligibility as a donor
- At least 18 years old and able to provide identification documents (ID card, family card, or birth certificate)
- A written statement confirming that the donation is voluntary and without any form of compensation
- A clear and accountable explanation of the reason for donating a kidney
- Approval from immediate family members (spouse, adult children, parents, or siblings)
- A signed statement confirming understanding of indications, contraindications, risks, transplant procedures, and post-donation lifestyle guidelines
- A declaration that the donation process does not involve organ trading or any agreement with the recipient
By fulfilling these requirements, prospective donors can proceed with the transplant process according to applicable procedures.
Kidney transplant team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is a private hospital that has obtained official authorization to perform kidney transplant procedures for patients in need. In addition to modern facilities and advanced medical technology, the hospital is supported by an experienced team of doctors specializing in comprehensive kidney transplant care.
Below is the kidney transplant team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
1. Dr. dr. Maruhum Bonar H. Marbun, Sp.PD-KGH, FINASIM
Dr. Maruhum Bonar H. Marbun is an internal medicine specialist with a subspecialty in nephrology (kidney and hypertension). He has extensive experience in managing various kidney conditions, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney failure, and complications related to hypertension and diabetes. He is also involved in dialysis (hemodialysis), transplant eligibility assessments, and post-transplant monitoring, including immunosuppressive therapy management.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
2. Prof. dr. Chaidir Arif Mochtar, Sp.U(K), PhD
Prof. Chaidir Arif Mochtar is a senior urologist with extensive experience in urological surgery both nationally and internationally. His expertise includes kidney surgery, prostate procedures, varicocele treatment, PCNL, and kidney transplantation. He is also skilled in laparoscopic techniques, a minimally invasive surgical method using small incisions that helps speed up patient recovery. His expertise is supported by training in the Netherlands.
Schedule:
- Monday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
3. Prof. dr. Ponco Birowo, Sp.U(K), PhD
Prof. Ponco Birowo is a urologist known for his extensive experience in handling complex cases, including kidney transplantation. With a strong background in urological surgery, he is one of the referral specialists for kidney transplant procedures in Indonesia. His expertise includes a wide range of surgical procedures requiring precision and in-depth understanding of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4. dr. Sigit Sholichin, Sp.U, FICRS
Dr. Sigit Sholichin is a urologist experienced in kidney transplant procedures. He completed his medical education at Diponegoro University and his urology specialization at the University of Indonesia. In his clinical practice, he performs various urological procedures, including urinary tract, prostate, and kidney surgeries, varicocele treatment, prostate biopsy, and uroflowmetry. He also holds international certifications in robotic and laparoscopic surgery and is active in professional urology organizations.
Schedule:
- Monday: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
5. dr. Vidhia Umami, Sp.PD-KGH
Dr. Vidhia Umami is an internal medicine specialist and consultant in nephrology and hypertension, and part of the kidney transplant team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. She completed her medical and internal medicine training at the University of Indonesia. In her role, she monitors kidney function, manages immunosuppressive therapy, and handles potential post-transplant complications such as infections or declining kidney function. She is also active in professional organizations such as Pernefri and PDPDI.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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*The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and general overview only, and does not represent the full scope of medical services provided by each doctor. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to consult directly with a doctor.
If you have questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
