Inauguration of Free Health Checks in Schools, President Prabowo’s Commitment to Developing Excellent Human Resources
By: Umar Adisusanto)
The Free Health Check in Schools program is a concrete step that reflects the state’s presence in safeguarding the future of young generations. Through this policy, the government ensures that the health of Indonesian children is monitored from an early age, while also cultivating a culture of healthy living starting from school age.
Launched simultaneously on Monday, August 4, 2025, in 12 schools and madrasas across various regions, this program is an integral part of President Prabowo Subianto’s grand vision to develop excellent, healthy, and resilient Indonesian human resources. During its inaugural implementation, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar directly observed the check-up process at Asshiddiqiyah Islamic Boarding School, Kedoya, West Jakarta. He stated that this program is not just a political discourse, but a real manifestation of the president’s commitment to the people. According to him, the state’s presence through free medical services in schools has had a direct and tangible impact on the community, especially on students.
Nasaruddin also emphasized that many parents tend to focus too much on their children’s academic achievements, neglecting the importance of proper nutrition and regular health check-ups. Through the School Free Health Check program (CKG Sekolah), the government helps bridge this gap. Children identified with potential health issues are immediately referred to the nearest health facilities, whether hospitals or community health centers (puskesmas). In this way, previously undetected illnesses can be treated before they develop into serious problems. This program addresses the most fundamental aspect of human development: ensuring that the younger generation grows up healthy, strong, and productive.
The CKG Sekolah program is a continuation of the national Free Health Check initiative that has been running since February 10, 2025. As of early August, more than 16 million citizens have benefited from this service. The government has set an ambitious target of reaching the entire Indonesian population of 281 million people, including 53.8 million students across 282,000 educational institutions, ranging from elementary to high schools, madrasas, and community schools. This massive undertaking requires cross-sectoral coordination and demonstrates the government’s determination to ensure equal access to basic services for all citizens, without exception.
Adita Irawati, Senior Expert Staff at the Presidential Communication Office, explained that CKG Sekolah is a long-term investment in the health of children and adolescents. She described the program as part of a promotive and preventive approach in the national healthcare system aimed at reducing long-term healthcare costs. For Adita, routine health check-ups in schools are an effective strategy to create an excellent generation—not only intellectually smart but also physically and mentally healthy.
This perspective was echoed by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan. He emphasized that the Free Health Check program is one of President Prabowo’s strategic policies to improve the quality of Indonesia’s human resources so they can compete globally. According to him, human development cannot be separated from health. Without a healthy body, educational achievement and work productivity will also be hindered. Therefore, he praised the program as a vital foundation for sustainable national development.
Furthermore, Budi stated that the CKG Sekolah program has a significant long-term impact. In addition to helping prevent stunting and chronic diseases, it also plays a key role in raising public awareness about the importance of healthy living. He noted that providing free medical services in schools shows that the state truly cares—even in remote villages. Budi also stressed the importance of preparedness among health facilities like Puskesmas and Posyandu in supporting this program. He emphasized that services must be delivered optimally according to schedule so that no students miss out on this vital service.
As of July 2025, more than 15 million people had benefited from the Free Health Check program, and the government aims to increase that number to 60 million by the end of the year. This figure reflects public enthusiasm and the government’s success in building trust in the national health service system.
However, the success of this program also depends on security stability and smooth logistics. Therefore, Budi Gunawan called for the involvement of security forces such as the police (Polri) and military (TNI) to assist in mobilizing medical personnel, especially in remote areas. He believes that a large-scale program like this requires synergistic collaboration between institutions. Without security support and efficient logistics, implementation in the field could be hampered.
The Indonesian public should welcome this program with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility. Schools, parents, and local communities must foster a collective awareness of the importance of maintaining health as part of character development for children. Health check-ups should not be viewed as a one-time activity but must become a regular habit embedded in daily life, starting from school.
The government’s move to launch the Free Health Check in Schools program is a bold and progressive breakthrough in strengthening the foundation of Indonesia’s human resources. Amid increasingly complex global challenges, this program is clear evidence that President Prabowo Subianto and his cabinet are truly present for the people—focusing on essential sectors that determine the nation’s future. Therefore, high appreciation is due to all parties who have worked hard to make CKG Sekolah a flagship program in the development of a healthy and excellent Indonesian society.
*) The author is a contributor to the Lingkar Khatulistiwa Institute
