Free Health Checks Are Real Evidence of Prabowo-Gibran Government’s Concern for the People
By: Farrel Haroon West Java )*
The Indonesian government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has strengthened its commitment to public welfare through the launch of the Free Health Check-up program.
This program is not just a political promise, but a real step to provide access to preventive health services to all levels of society. With an initial target of reaching 60 million people by 2025, this program aims to reach up to 200 million citizens in the next five years. This strategic step is designed to reduce the death rate from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which are major threats to public health.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that public health is not only about treating diseases, but more about preventing them. In the 2025 state budget (APBN), the government has allocated Rp4.7 trillion to support the realization of the program.
This free health check is designed to help early detection of various diseases that have been the main threat to public health, while reducing the burden of health financing at the national level. This step is also in line with the government’s grand vision to create a healthy, productive society that is able to contribute more to national development.
Spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, Dedek Prayudi explained that this program is a manifestation of President Prabowo’s vision in prioritizing promotive and preventive efforts.
Dedek highlighted data from the 2023 Socioeconomic Registration (Regsosek), which showed that more than 600,000 people in Indonesia die each year from cardiovascular disease. This figure reflects the urgency of implementing a program for systematic and comprehensive health screening. Diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes can be suppressed if the community has regular access to easily accessible health check-up services.
In addition to cardiovascular diseases, the program also includes early detection of other diseases that are adjusted to age groups. For children, for example, the examination focuses on detecting congenital diseases such as congenital hypothyroidism, which if detected early can prevent the risk of mental retardation.
In adolescents, screening includes obesity, diabetes, and dental health, while for adults and the elderly, the focus is on detecting cancer and cardiovascular disease.
This program is in line with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution which guarantees the right of every citizen to receive proper health services. With a structured approach, this program ensures that each age group receives attention according to their health needs.
Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya, Dede Nasrullah stated that this free health check-up is very relevant in reducing the incidence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and overcoming various other non-communicable diseases.
According to him, early detection not only reduces medical costs, but also provides a greater chance for successful therapy. In addition, structured health checks can also prevent serious complications, especially in the productive age group. This effort also strengthens the pillars of public health in building the foundation of a healthier generation.
He added that the program also has a positive impact on health promotion efforts in the community. Health screening that involves education can encourage changes in lifestyle to be healthier, which ultimately improves overall quality of life.
Dede emphasized the importance of ensuring that these health screening services reach all age groups, including children, as part of the preparation for the Golden Generation 2045.
Children, he said, not only need basic health services, but also special examinations to detect problems that could affect their growth and development.
Support for this program also came from a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Edy Wuryanto, who considered that this free health check-up was one of the most strategic efforts to overcome health challenges in Indonesia.
According to him, diseases such as TB and cancer have long been issues that require serious attention. Effective screening and early detection, said Edy, are the main keys to reducing the burden of national health costs while improving the quality of life of the community. With the number of TB cases still high, this step is a real solution to reduce the death rate from the disease.
Edy also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and other institutions, such as BPJS Kesehatan, in supporting the implementation of this program. An integrated financing scheme will ensure that free health services can truly be enjoyed by the community without economic barriers.
Targeting around 52 million people in the first year of its implementation, this program reflects the seriousness of the Prabowo-Gibran government in realizing the vision of inclusive and sustainable national health. The involvement of various parties in the implementation of this program is expected to accelerate the realization of the goal of improving public health as a whole.
In its implementation, this program not only focuses on routine checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and uric acid checks, but also involves health education as a preventive measure.
The government ensures that people can easily access this service through the nearest health center or health facility by simply bringing an identity card. This simple step is expected to encourage active participation of the community in maintaining their own health. The education provided in the examination process is also expected to increase public awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
As real evidence of the government’s concern for its people, this Free Health Check-up program is not only a solution to pressing health problems, but also reflects a strong commitment to realizing a healthier and more productive society.
With this strategic step, the Prabowo-Gibran government shows that sustainable national development begins with investment in the health of its people. Through this program, the vision of creating a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous Indonesian society is increasingly becoming a reality. (*)
)* Contributor to the Indonesian Reading Room