Jakarta – The government’s Free Health Check (CKG) program continues to strengthen the quality of national healthcare services through early detection of various diseases in school-age children. Based on the results of examinations of 4.8 million children in 48,000 schools across Indonesia from January 1 to May 3, 2026, the government found an increase in high blood pressure cases, which is a serious concern in efforts to maintain the health of the younger generation.
The Head of the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, said the examination results showed that 663,000 children had high blood pressure. Furthermore, 1.1 million children were found to have cavities and 239,000 children had earwax buildup. According to him, these findings demonstrate the importance of strengthening healthcare services based on early detection.
“The CKG program provides real benefits because various health problems can be detected early so that treatment can be administered quickly and appropriately. Thus, children’s health can be continuously maintained to support optimal learning and growth,” said Muhammad Qodari.
He emphasized that high blood pressure in children should not be viewed as a trivial issue, as it has the potential to impact future health outcomes. Therefore, the government continues to strengthen education on healthy lifestyles through schools, families, and healthcare facilities.
“School high blood pressure screening is not just a routine checkup, but part of an effort to build a higher-quality healthcare system through early detection, education, and ongoing treatment,” he said.
The government also ensures that the implementation of high blood pressure screening will continue to be expanded across all regions, with the support of more than 10,000 community health centers (Puskesmas) in 514 districts/cities. Overall, from 2025 to early May 2026, the program has reached approximately 100 million Indonesians.
Meanwhile, Ashabul Kahfi, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), assessed that the discovery of high blood pressure cases in children presents an important momentum to strengthen a healthy lifestyle culture from an early age. He believes schools play a strategic role in developing healthy habits in students.
“We view these high blood pressure screening results as a positive step in strengthening awareness of healthy living and improving the health of Indonesian children from an early age,” said Ashabul Kahfi.
He also advocated for enhanced mapping of children’s health risk factors, including dietary patterns, physical activity, and family environment. This step is considered crucial for ensuring government health policies are more targeted and able to create a healthy, superior, and high-quality generation of Indonesians.