By: Brahma Dennis (*
The government’s target of reaching 46 percent of the Indonesian population through the Free Health Check Program (CKG) by 2026 reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening promotive and preventive healthcare services. This policy is considered a strategic step to address the challenge of unequal access to healthcare services, while simultaneously encouraging the public to become more aware of their health from an early age.
The government’s optimism is supported by the significant achievements of the 2025 CKG Program. The Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, stated that 70.8 million people, or approximately 24.9 percent of the total population, had participated in the CKG in its first year of implementation. This achievement is the largest in the history of the national healthcare system, considering that this is the first time the government has provided a health check program open to all citizens without restrictions on specific groups.
These initial achievements demonstrate the high public demand and interest in preventive healthcare services. However, the government also recognizes that the implementation of the CKG 2025 still faces various challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions, academics, and development partners. The evaluation identified several key obstacles, ranging from limited service coverage, suboptimal information dissemination, to the need to strengthen follow-up on health check results.
Based on this evaluation, the government is preparing various corrective measures to achieve the new 2026 target. Massive and effective dissemination of CKG information will be strengthened to increase public understanding. Furthermore, CKG services will be expanded beyond health facility buildings, such as through community health centers (Puskesmas) and integrated health posts (Posyandu), so that people in remote and densely populated areas can more easily access services.
Expansion will also be carried out at CKG implementation locations. Beyond community health centers, the program will reach other primary health facilities, ministry and agency environments, offices or workplaces, and community settings. This strategy demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing flexible health services that are close to people’s daily activities.
Another important step being prepared is the use of CKG data as a basis for planning health programs at all levels of service. Aji Muhawarman emphasized that this data will be used to focus Promotive and preventive services based on risk factors identified in the field. This data-driven approach is expected to increase the effectiveness of health interventions, from increasing the capacity of medical and healthcare personnel, providing facilities and infrastructure, to involving other sectors in supporting the CKG.
Support for this program has also emerged from the healthcare profession. Sukman Tulus Putra, Deputy Chairman of the Expert Council of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), believes that CKG, especially for children, plays a crucial role in early detection of various health issues. The examination is not limited to measuring height and weight but also includes detecting stunting, a serious issue.
With stunting rates still reaching 19.8 percent according to the 2024 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey, CKG is seen as a crucial entry point for early intervention. According to Sukman, the free health check program for children is a strategic policy that requires targeted governance, continuous monitoring, and clear follow-up. Children are considered a valuable national asset, so investing in children’s health through CKG will have a long-term impact on the quality of Indonesia’s human resources.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized this cross-sectoral commitment. Indonesian Health Minister, Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono. The more ambitious screening coverage target by 2026 requires support from all parties, including the role of public relations at ministries and institutions as the vanguard in disseminating information and mobilizing public participation. Furthermore, health challenges in the workplace, such as low physical activity and increasing obesity among adults, are of particular concern to the government.
The Ministry of Health is opening up collaboration opportunities for agencies wishing to introduce CKG in the workplace as part of efforts to build a culture of healthy living. With cross-sector synergy, a data-driven approach, and expanded access to services, the CKG Program is expected to become a significant milestone in the transformation of the national health system. The target of 46 percent by 2026 is not just a number, but a concrete manifestation of the government’s presence in facilitating access to health services.A just and sustainable health system for all Indonesians.
(* The author is a Public Health Services Observer