By: Dwi Adi Purnomo)*
The Free Health Check (CKG) Program currently being promoted by the government has become one of the strategic policies that prioritizes human resource development from an early age. In the context of increasingly complex public health challenges, this policy serves as an effort to expand access to health screenings, which have long been uneven across regions. Free routine examinations enable people from various economic backgrounds to receive basic health services regularly without financial burden. Ultimately, this strengthens the foundation of public health while improving the quality of life for future generations. The government’s initiative to expand the CKG coverage reflects a genuine commitment to positioning health as a national development priority.
The CKG Program holds significant value not only for individuals but also for the nation’s long-term development. It serves as an important instrument for early detection of diseases that may go unnoticed by the public. Routine examinations can also reveal health patterns within certain groups, allowing the government to develop more comprehensive prevention strategies. In the long run, improved early detection will help reduce the incidence of chronic diseases that require high treatment costs, thereby easing the national health financing burden. Thus, the CKG program not only provides direct benefits but also creates space to optimize the health system as a whole.
The Secretary General of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), Dr. dr. Hikari Ambara Sjakti, emphasized that children’s health is an investment in the nation’s future. According to him, all parties—including the community—must ensure the program runs effectively and sustainably as part of a shared commitment to safeguarding the next generation. IDAI considers CKG a strategic step because it can detect various health problems that often hinder children’s growth and development, from malnutrition, anemia, vision and hearing disorders, to infections or chronic illnesses. Regular health screenings for school-aged children are viewed as essential because they can identify potential health issues early before they develop into serious conditions. With accurate early detection, medical interventions can be provided more quickly, ensuring a better quality of life for children.
Attention to children’s health is a fundamental step in building a smart, productive, and competitive generation for the future. Routine health screenings not only help detect diseases but also allow continuous monitoring of children’s growth and development. This is important because a child’s learning process is heavily influenced by their physical condition; healthy children tend to have better concentration, optimal learning ability, and a higher quality of life. The government’s policy of providing free health services for students reflects a state commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable educational ecosystem. With cross-sectoral support, CKG is expected to become a foundation for fostering Indonesia’s future golden generation.
From a public health perspective, the benefits of CKG are also evident in the government’s efforts to strengthen early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Head of the Malang City Health Office, Husnul Muarif, explained that this program encourages public awareness about the importance of regular health checkups. In addition to providing examinations, the government also seeks to provide a health profile for each participant as a basis for encouraging healthy lifestyle habits. This serves as a preventive measure so that NCDs can be anticipated early through data-based education and interventions. CKG is a long-term investment that will improve public health levels because the data collected can be used as the foundation for future health program planning.
In the context of national health policy, data from community health examinations becomes an important asset for both local and central governments. Through this data, the government can map disease risks in specific groups, assess population health conditions more objectively, and formulate evidence-based health strategies. Husnul emphasized that health is a primary asset for productivity and economic development. Without a healthy population, various development programs will struggle to achieve optimal outcomes. Therefore, he hopes that public awareness of utilizing CKG services will continue to grow, enabling more comprehensive and sustainable preventive efforts.
At the regional level, the implementation of CKG has shown significant progress. The Head of the Mataram City Health Office, Emirald Isfihan, stated that by mid-November 2025, the program had served around 2,500 participants, including elementary, Islamic junior high (MTs), and junior high school students. This figure reflects a positive response from communities and schools regarding the importance of routine health screenings. Nationally, he said, the CKG program is indeed prioritized for students as a form of health investment for the nation’s future. The government continues to promote the program through strengthened health facilities, increased medical personnel, and expanded service coverage. Active involvement from schools and parents has also accelerated the program’s success in maintaining the health of the younger generation.
Furthermore, the success of the CKG program will depend on consistent implementation and strong community support. The program represents the government’s efforts to build the nation’s future by strengthening public health from an early age. This policy not only provides direct health benefits but also serves as a long-term investment to shape a productive and high-quality generation. By expanding access to examinations and strengthening a culture of early detection, the government is preparing a stronger foundation for national health. Public understanding of the importance of early detection will enhance the program’s effectiveness, allowing various health risks to be identified early. As a result, communities can take quicker and more accurate preventive measures, reducing the risk of complications in the future.
*) Public Policy Analyst