By: Bara Winatha
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening preventive and promotive health services through the Free Health Checkup Program (CKG). This program is a strategic part of the national effort to expand access to healthcare services for all segments of society, including vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and rural communities. CKG represents a tangible collective movement towards a healthier society that is aware of the importance of early disease detection. The program is an implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to build an inclusive, efficient, and sustainable national healthcare system.
Bill Gates, founder of the Gates Foundation, praised the Indonesian government’s concrete actions in the health sector, saying such programs deserve global recognition. According to him, initiatives like CKG form a vital foundation for encouraging healthy lifestyles and align with global efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improve overall quality of life.
Gates also commended Indonesia’s active engagement in strengthening the health system, including the adoption of new vaccines and nutritional programs for pregnant women. He noted that Indonesia has shown leadership in addressing public health issues—from launching vaccines to distributing supplements. He added that initiatives such as CKG will broaden early disease detection coverage and serve as a long-term investment in national health.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the CKG program is a form of state service to its people. He emphasized that the program is not only for urban residents, but must also reach remote and isolated regions across Indonesia. The Minister urged all regional governments to synergize in supporting the program’s success.
He highlighted Central Java Province, which accounts for nearly 40% of total national program participants, as an example of effective regional collaboration. This, he said, proves that equitable healthcare distribution can be achieved through joint efforts between central and local governments. The public is encouraged to make use of the free services, which are available at community health centers (puskesmas) and through the Ministry of Health’s official digital applications.
Nur Laila, Head of the Non-Communicable Disease Control Team at the Ministry of Health, explained that many people delay health checkups due to fear, feeling it’s unnecessary, or being too busy. Such perceptions need to be corrected, as many serious illnesses do not show early symptoms. The CKG program offers a practical and affordable solution for the public to regularly monitor their health status.
The program enables early detection of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disorders, high cholesterol, and other vital organ issues. Utilizing this state-funded service can help the public save significant costs—private checkups can exceed one million rupiah—by providing free, comprehensive screenings.
Central Java Province is among the most proactive regions in implementing the program. Yunita Dyah Suminar, Head of the Provincial Health Office, credited the success to strong support from regional leaders and the dedication of frontline health workers. She explained that health professionals actively promoted the benefits of the program through door-to-door campaigns and community events.
The program is also integrated with digital platforms such as the Satu Sehat Mobile app and the Ministry of Health’s official WhatsApp service, allowing the public to register and access information about service locations and schedules. This is part of the technological transformation in health services aimed at bringing care closer to the public—especially tech-savvy younger generations. Technology integration is also expected to improve the accuracy of national health data and streamline monitoring and evaluation processes.
The healthy living campaign promoted through this program aims to cultivate a new societal culture—a recognition that health is a shared responsibility. The government cannot achieve this alone; active participation from families, schools, and communities is essential. The Free Health Checkup Program is a crucial instrument in building a sustainable, healthy ecosystem, encouraging people to routinely check their health and take preventive actions as early as possible.
Global appreciation from figures like Bill Gates adds international weight to the importance of Indonesia’s efforts. Gates recognized Indonesia’s innovation in vaccination, malnutrition response, and primary care as a model for other countries. He also noted that cross-sectoral collaboration, like that between the Indonesian government and the Gates Foundation, opens up vast potential for social impact and accelerated progress toward global health goals.
Through the CKG program, Indonesia demonstrates that health sector development can serve as a vehicle for prevention, education, and lifestyle change. This approach aligns with the new direction of sustainable development, which prioritizes human well-being and social resilience amid global challenges. The program stands as a key milestone in the journey to create a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous Indonesia.
(* The author is a social and community affairs observer)