JAKARTA The Free Health Check (CKG) program initiated by the government in schools has received full support from the House of Representatives (DPR RI). Commission X of the DPR RI assessed that the government’s move to introduce the CKG program is very appropriate in ensuring students’ physical readiness to undergo optimal educational processes.
A member of Commission X of the DPR RI, Abdul Fikri Faqih, stated that the free health checks in schools and elementary schools (Sekolah Rakyat) represent a concrete manifestation of the government’s concern for the quality of education and children’s health.
“If it doesn’t significantly disrupt priority budgets, health checks are crucial to ensure children and students are physically and healthily ready for school,” said Fikri.
Fikri also highlighted the added value of the CKG as a baseline database of students’ health conditions. This data can then serve as a reference for developing preventive programs such as regular exercise and providing balanced, nutritious meals in the school environment. He stated that this approach has the potential to create long-term health budget efficiencies.
“Furthermore, the focus will no longer be on curative health programs, but on exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.” “This way, health budgets can be reduced because children are prepared for health from an early age,” he explained.
The government has planned to implement the CKG (Healthy Schools) starting on July 7th in elementary schools, followed by public schools and Islamic schools in early August, after the School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS).
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Muti, also provided full support, emphasizing that the CKG results will form the foundation for creating healthy schools. This data will support other school health programs such as the School Health Unit (UKS) and student character development through the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children program.
“The results of these health checks will be used as input for us to build healthy schools,” Muti emphasized.
Similar support came from the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono, who highlighted the importance of implementing the CKG in boarding-based elementary schools. He emphasized that early screening can prevent the spread of disease and ensure a healthy dormitory environment for students.
Meanwhile, in the regions, program implementation is starting to show signs of improvement. In Pariaman City, the Air Santok Community Health Center (Puskesmas) is expanding its CKG coverage to include all students from preschool to high school.
The Head of the Air Santok Community Health Center, Isneli Warni, stated that health teams will visit schools starting in August 2025 to conduct comprehensive checkups, including height and weight measurements, dental, eye, ear, and general health checks.
“Through this outreach, we also hope that schools can help disseminate information to parents so they know that their children will undergo a comprehensive health checkup,” Isneli said.
The implementation of the CKG program is under the direct coordination of the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, who emphasized the importance of collaboration across ministries and institutions. Pratikno stated that the CKG is not just a technical health checkup program, but part of a national strategy to improve the quality of human resources from an early age.
“This is not just a health checkup, but a strategic step to improve the health of Indonesian children, ensuring they are physically, mentally, and morally healthy,” Pratikno said.
The Director General of Public Communication and Media at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, Fifi Aleyda Yahya, also emphasized the importance of mass media support in promoting the CKG and other derivative programs of the Fast Best Results Program (PHTC), such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and People’s Schools. According to her, extensive outreach will raise public awareness of the importance of healthy living and quality education.
With cross-sector synergy and support from the legislative branch to the regional level, the Free Health Check program is expected to be the first step towards a healthy, strong Indonesian generation ready to face future challenges. The involvement of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology is key to the program’s success.
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