By: Febrian Arda *)
The government has taken concrete steps to improve public health by launching the Free Health Checkup Program (CKG). This program is not just a regular health service, but a significant effort to build a foundation of preventive health for all Indonesian citizens. Through comprehensive screenings, this program is expected to detect diseases early and reduce preventable mortality rates.
As part of the government’s birthday gift to the public, CKG is available to all age groups, from infants to the elderly. With easy and free access, the public is encouraged to proactively check their health without waiting for symptoms to appear. The government believes that early detection is a fundamental step in maintaining individual health and preventing more severe health burdens in the future.
Director General of Primary and Community Health, Dr. Maria Endang Sumiwi, mentioned that one of the biggest challenges in society is the fear of knowing one’s health condition. Therefore, through this program, the public is urged not to hesitate in utilizing the services provided. Health checkups are not only important for those who feel unwell but also for those who feel healthy as a preventive measure.
This program includes various types of screenings tailored to the health needs of each age group. Newborns can undergo hormone deficiency screening and congenital heart disease detection. Nutritional screenings are conducted to prevent stunting in children. For adults, the focus is on detecting the risks of stroke, heart disease, and cancer, including mental health screenings, which have increasingly become a major concern. Eye and ear health screenings are also provided to ensure that people can maintain their quality of life optimally.
In its implementation, the program is divided into three key moments. The first is the Birthday CKG, which began with the program launch on February 10, 2025. This screening is targeted at children aged 0 to 6 years and the general public aged 18 years and above on their birthdays. The checkup can be done at puskesmas and clinics partnering with BPJS Kesehatan within 30 days of their birthday.
The second moment is the School CKG, which will start in July 2025, coinciding with the new school year. This screening targets children aged 7 to 17 years in schools. Meanwhile, the third moment is the Special CKG for pregnant women and toddlers, which will be held at puskesmas and posyandu. The government hopes that this life-cycle-based approach will ensure that all age groups receive the appropriate health services based on their needs.
To facilitate access, the government provides two registration channels for the CKG service. First, through the Satu Sehat Mobile app, available on the App Store and Play Store. With this app, the public can fill in their personal details, select a checkup schedule, and register family members. Second, through a WhatsApp service with a chatbot feature to assist with the registration process.
Presidential Communications Head, Hasan Nasbi, stated that this program is part of a significant investment in preventive health. According to him, as Indonesia celebrates its 80th anniversary of independence, the nation is witnessing an extraordinary transformation in the health sector. This program ensures that all Indonesians can access free health checkups.
From a budget perspective, the government has allocated an initial fund of IDR 4.7 trillion to support the implementation of this program. Although the budget was adjusted due to other national spending priorities, the government assures that the funds are available for the initial phase of the program. If necessary, the government is ready to request additional funding to ensure the continuity of services.
Spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, Dedek Prayudi, emphasized that this program is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to save thousands of Indonesian lives lost each year due to diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The government seeks to prioritize disease prevention and health screenings as a key strategy in reducing mortality rates from non-communicable diseases.
In the first five years, the program is targeted to benefit 60 million people. However, the government has a long-term vision to reach the entire population of Indonesia, which is approximately 200 million people. With such a wide coverage, the program not only focuses on heart disease but also includes other diseases based on the characteristics of each age group.
For toddlers, for example, the screenings will include growth and development assessments as well as early detection of congenital diseases. For teenagers, screenings will cover obesity, diabetes, and dental health. In adulthood, the main focus is on early detection of cancers such as breast, cervical, lung, and colon cancer. For the elderly, screenings will focus on various degenerative diseases common with aging.
The government is optimistic that this program will bring significant changes in the lifestyle of Indonesians. With easy access to free health services, the public is expected to become more aware of the importance of maintaining health from an early age. The government also believes that the success of this program will lay a strong foundation for creating a healthier and more productive society.
*) The author is a public policy observer.
