By: Jessi Amara )*
The government continues to strengthen its commitment to providing inclusive and equitable health services for all Indonesians. Through the Free Health Check (CKG) Program, basic check-ups are now accessible free of charge, reaching all levels of society, even in remote areas of the country. This program is a tangible symbol of the government’s seriousness in building a health system that favors the people, not just an administrative effort, but part of a national strategy to strengthen long-term health resilience.
Since its launch on February 10, 2025, this program has successfully recorded extraordinary achievements. As of November 4, 2025, more than 50.5 million citizens have participated in health check-ups throughout Indonesia out of a total of 53.6 million registrants. Of these, 34.3 million were general check-up participants and 16.2 million came from the school category. This achievement not only reflects the success of public mobilization, but also increased public awareness of the importance of maintaining health from an early age.
Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, assessed the success of community participation in the CKG program as strong evidence that the government’s promotive and preventive strategies are starting to show results. He emphasized that this program is not merely a mass screening program, but rather a strategic tool for early disease detection and management. Early detection significantly increases the chance of recovery, allowing people to avoid the risk of chronic diseases that require significant costs and reduce national productivity.
However, despite these positive achievements, the CKG data also demonstrates public health realities that require serious attention. Among adults, approximately 96 percent of participants reported a lack of physical activity. Furthermore, cases of dental caries were found at 41.9 percent, central obesity at 32.9 percent, and overweight and general obesity at 24.4 percent. These data demonstrate that non-communicable diseases remain a significant threat, especially for the productive age group, which should be the driving force of economic development.
Similar results were also observed in other age groups. Newborns were at risk of bile duct abnormalities, low birth weight, and critical congenital heart disease. Meanwhile, among toddlers and preschoolers, unhealthy teeth, stunting, and wasting remain major challenges. Among adolescents and students, inactive lifestyles are increasingly evident, with 60.1 percent lacking physical activity and more than half experiencing dental caries. Even in the elderly group, 96.7 percent were declared to be less active with 37.7 percent suffering from hypertension.
These findings provide an important basis for the government to strengthen data-driven health policies. The Minister of Health explained that the results of the CKG program will be used to formulate new policy directions, including increasing healthy lifestyle campaigns and adjusting community health center services to focus more on prevention. The government wants people not only to recover from illness but also to have the ability to maintain their health sustainably.
Dr. Rina Andayani, a health expert from the University of Indonesia, assessed the CKG program as a progressive step that demonstrates a shift in the national health paradigm. According to her, routine check-ups play a vital role in detecting diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol before they develop into serious conditions. She believes that the sooner a disease is detected, the greater the chance of recovery and the savings in treatment costs. This view aligns with the government’s policy direction, which places prevention as the main foundation of the national health system.
In addition to physical examinations, the CKG is also designed to provide public health education. The program encourages behavioral change through counseling on a balanced diet, physical activity, stress management, and the importance of adequate rest. This approach is expected to raise awareness that maintaining health does not depend solely on medical facilities but is a lifestyle that must be implemented daily.
The success of the CKG implementation is inseparable from cross-sector collaboration. Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, emphasized that health is the primary asset in building a productive and competitive Indonesian population. According to him, the government not only wants to reduce disease rates but also ensures that every citizen has an equal opportunity to live a healthy life and contribute to development. He believes that a healthy society is the foundation of equitable economic growth.
The government is also preparing strategic steps to expand the program’s reach to remote areas. Through synergy between health workers, regional governments, and local communities, the free screening service is designed to extend beyond large cities to areas that previously lacked adequate healthcare access. This step reinforces the principle that every citizen, without exception, has an equal right to healthcare services.
The CKG program also provides momentum for medical personnel and community health centers (Puskesmas) to increase service capacity. The government appreciates the hard work of millions of field officers who ensure the screening process runs orderly and effectively.
In various regions, health workers are even using a proactive approach, visiting communities, schools, and even places of worship. This strategy demonstrates that public services can operate quickly and reach all levels of society when managed with sincere intentions and good management.