By: Dirandra Falguni )*
The free health check-ups that are being promoted by the government are one of the real proofs that the state is present to protect its people, not only in the context of security and economy, but also in the health aspect. This program has now become a national movement that has touched millions of citizens throughout Indonesia, from urban to remote areas, from productive age to elderly.
The Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes), Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono conducted a free health check-up at the Kelapa Gading Health Center, Jakarta. This activity is not merely symbolic, but is proof that first-level health facilities such as Health Centers have now experienced a significant increase in quality, to the point of being on par with other service facilities.
Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono said that his party wanted to show the public that health centers that are close to their homes have very good quality of service. In addition to undergoing a free health check-up, he also saw firsthand the various facilities available.
Dante emphasized that choosing a health center that is close to one’s residence reflects the easy access that is also felt by the community every day. Integration of primary services makes the Kelapa Gading Health Center increasingly optimal in serving the community. Daily data shows that around 30 participants take part in free health checks there, indicating the increasing enthusiasm of the community.
This free health check program has been implemented nationally and has reached more than 1.8 million participants, with 1.5 million of them having received services at 9,001 Health Centers in 37 provinces. This achievement reflects the massive scale of the program and the government’s strong commitment to building a preventive health system.
Free health checks are not just ceremonial activities, but part of a large strategy for early detection of diseases that can save the country’s health costs. Dante gave an example of how kidney disease, if detected early, can be treated without having to go through expensive procedures such as dialysis. Likewise with heart disease, which can be prevented before triggering an attack.
With this early detection, his party can reduce the queue of patients with serious conditions in hospitals. This will certainly be very helpful in the management of health resources nationally. This program can also reduce the burden of services in hospitals, especially for National Health Insurance (JKN) participants, and accelerate the handling of cases in stages.
The Deputy Minister of Health also encouraged the public to have their health checked at least once a year, without having to wait for their birthday. The government is also improving the technical aspects of the service, including the online registration system to speed up the process and increase convenience.
In various regions, free health checks have also been welcomed with enthusiasm. In Kebonsari Village, on March 24, 2025, free health checks targeted 100 residents of various ages. With neat arrangements and a family atmosphere, the community checked their conditions in an orderly manner, from blood pressure to general health consultations. The medical team also provided education about diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and infectious diseases.
Meanwhile, the Yogyakarta City Government consistently holds free health checks specifically for the elderly every month. This program is included in the Quick Wins agenda of the Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo and Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan. Every month, simultaneous checks are carried out in 15 different villages. In March 2025, this program successfully served 1,386 elderly people.
According to the Head of the Yogyakarta City Health Office, Emma Rahmi Aryani, this activity aims to detect early risks of disease. The examination includes blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid, as well as referral follow-up if abnormalities are found. With a total of 66 thousand elderly people, this program is a form of extraordinary commitment to paying attention to vulnerable groups.
Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that the free health check program is part of the direct message of former President Joko Widodo to maintain the health of all Indonesian people. Budi noted that to date almost 2 million people have utilized this service, with daily participation reaching 110 thousand people. From the data collected, the most complaints came from dental health problems, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. This fact is an eye-opener that there are still many health centers that do not have dentists.
His party is currently lobbying the faculty of dentistry. This is because the school is expensive and it is quite difficult to get into the faculty. If this is not achieved, his party will try to improve the skills of technical personnel such as dentists so that they can help with services. This program also opens up opportunities to expand coverage to schools. The Ministry of Health is currentlyprepare a screening mechanism for school children starting the new school year by collaborating with community health centers.
Free health checks are the real face of the state’s presence in society. Not only as a response to public complaints, but as a long-term strategy to form a healthier and more productive nation.
Through this program, the state not only shows its support for vulnerable groups, but also strengthens the pillars of human resource development. With health that is maintained from an early age, Indonesia will be better prepared to face future challenges. Free health checks are not just a program, but a representation of the state’s love for its people.
)* Contributor Beritakapuas.com