By: Wildan Deni Grahita
In recent years, the Indonesian government has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening the national healthcare system. A concrete manifestation of this commitment is the implementation of the Free Health Checkup Program (CKG), which has now become an integral part of the country’s national health strategy. This program is not only a reflection of the state’s concern for public health, but also an effective preventive strategy to reduce future healthcare costs.
The Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, emphasized the importance of early detection and routine screening as key pillars in maintaining public health. According to him, prevention is always more affordable and effective than treatment. He encourages the public to undergo free health checkups at least once a year, calling it a small step that can save many lives. He also appreciated several regions that have successfully implemented the program, including the “Spelling” (Mobile Specialist Doctors) initiative that has proven effective in reaching rural communities.
The program’s achievements show promising progress. Out of approximately 4.8 million participants nationwide, around 2 million came from Central Java alone. This accounts for 40% of total participants, making the province the top contributor, surpassing East Java and West Java. This fact shows that public enthusiasm and participation increase when the program is structured and aligned with real community needs.
Free health checkups are not merely tools for measuring health but also serve as educational instruments to raise awareness about the importance of early health maintenance. This step is crucial, especially considering that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are now among the leading causes of death in Indonesia. With early detection, the burden of chronic disease treatment costs can be significantly reduced.
In its implementation, the program does not stand alone. Collaboration with the private sector is a vital element in expanding the reach and effectiveness of the initiative. One of the key partners is the national pharmaceutical industry. Sugeng Budiyono Wijanto, President Director of PT OTTO Pharmaceutical Industries, stated that health is the foundation of a nation’s development. He believes that the role of the private sector is not only to supply products but also to serve as strategic partners in achieving equitable access to healthcare services. He emphasized that his company aims to contribute more than just products, but also real support on the ground, including logistical assistance, public education, and the provision of mass screening facilities in partnership with the government.
Meanwhile, Mateus Ramidi, Manager of Dharma Dexa, conveyed that a practical approach that directly reaches communities is key to the program’s success. According to him, small actions like routine health checks can lead to significant change. This is the concrete form of their guiding principle: Expertise for the Promotion of Health.
Mateus added that when people directly experience the ease and benefits of regular health screenings, participation will naturally increase. He also highlighted the importance of consistency and program continuity so that its benefits can be felt in the long term, especially in areas that have long struggled with access to healthcare.
The CKG initiative not only provides free healthcare services, but also helps build a health-conscious culture within society. This aligns with the government’s current focus on promotive and preventive-based healthcare transformation, supported by various policy instruments. The central government, through the Ministry of Health, actively encourages local governments to take a more significant role in bringing health services closer to grassroots communities, including by leveraging digital technologies and deploying mobile specialist health workers.
Far from being just a short-term solution, the CKG program is expected to be a long-term investment in the quality of life of Indonesian citizens. With better health, productivity rises, and the financial burden on the state’s healthcare system can be better managed.
The program’s successful implementation also proves that synergy between the central government, local governments, the business sector, and active public participation can make health sector transformation a reality—not merely an ideal. In fact, it is a tangible step toward a healthier, stronger, and more self-reliant Indonesia in facing global challenges.
It is only fitting for the public to embrace the Free Health Checkup Program as a sustainable national movement. The government has paved the way, but the program’s continuity and success depend heavily on active support from all elements of society. Don’t wait to get sick—make health checkups a new lifestyle for a healthier and more prosperous future.
Let us fully support the government’s policy in implementing the CKG program as part of the nation’s health strategy. With small steps taken together, we can bring about big changes for Indonesia.
(* The author is a public health observer from Dormi Medika Center)
