Purpose: This study assessed the institutional readiness of community health centers (Puskesmas) in Jakarta, Indonesia, for implementing Integrated Primary Care Services (ILP), a national policy reform promoting life-cycle-based, people-centered primary care. It addressed critical gaps in understanding the alignment between organizational capacity and health policy objectives within a decentralized urban system. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a mixed-methods exploratory design, this 2024 study involved a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews across 44 Puskesmas. Readiness was measured using a structured questionnaire informed by the Theory of Change, WHO health system building blocks, and organizational readiness models, with data analyzed through a weighted input–process–output framework. Findings: Findings revealed that fewer than half (47.4%) of the Puskesmas demonstrated readiness for ILP implementation. Significant deficiencies were identified in input domains, notably human resources and infrastructure, alongside weaknesses in policy process components. While output indicators like service coverage and patient safety showed relative strength, disparities in access and quality persisted. Research limitations/implications: This study’s limitations include its focus on public Puskesmas in Jakarta and its cross-sectional nature. It contributes theoretically by applying an organizational readiness model within an LMIC public health reform context. Practical implications: Practically, it offers policymakers crucial evidence, underscoring the need for targeted investments in workforce capacity, digital systems, and governance to facilitate successful ILP implementation. Originality/value: As one of Indonesia’s initial assessments of primary-level readiness for integrated care, this research bridges policy aspirations with operational realities, providing valuable empirical and conceptual insights to the integrated care literature. © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.