By: Gavin Asadit
At the beginning of 2025, the Indonesian government launched a major initiative in public health, the Free Health Check Program (CKG). This program is part of the national strategy to strengthen promotive and preventive efforts in the health sector, aiming to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of both non-communicable and infectious diseases that remain high in the country. Through this program, millions of Indonesians can now access health screening services for free, without having to worry about the financial burden.
The CKG program officially began in February 2025 and has received a positive response from the public. In less than three months, more than 20 million people have taken advantage of this service at various primary healthcare facilities (puskesmas, clinics, and partner hospitals) across all provinces. The government, through the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), has allocated a budget of IDR 3.2 trillion to fund this program, which aims to improve the quality of life for the community through early detection and disease prevention.
The Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated that major diseases such as stroke, coronary heart disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, and cancer are the primary focus of the screening because they have been the leading causes of death in Indonesia. Therefore, this program is designed to reach all age groups, from newborns to the elderly (elderly), with examinations tailored to the specific age group.
For newborns, for example, up to six types of screening are conducted, including the detection of congenital metabolic disorders. Preschool and school-age children undergo 8 to 13 types of examinations covering nutritional status, eye and dental health, and growth and development. Meanwhile, for adults and the elderly, up to 19 types of screenings are available, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, heart, and lung function. The program also accommodates cancer screenings such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer, aimed at participants over the age of 40.
Ease of access is one of the strengths of the CKG program. The public can register through the SatuSehat Mobile app, which allows users to choose an appointment time and receive a digital ticket. This ticket is then shown at the puskesmas or partner clinic during the screening. Alternatively, individuals can visit healthcare facilities directly on their birthday and bring an identification card to receive the screening service. The government has integrated the results of these screenings into the national digital system for easier monitoring of public health on an ongoing basis.
This program specifically emphasizes the importance of a preventive approach in healthcare services. By conducting regular and free screenings, the public is expected to become more aware of their health condition early on. If risk factors or early signs of diseases are found, patients will be referred for further treatment before their condition worsens. This not only saves lives but also has the potential to reduce the financial burden on the state for treating chronic diseases, which usually incur high costs.
Previously, the Spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Adita Irawati, stated that this program is part of the campaign promise of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The President hopes that this program will become a health protection measure for all Indonesian citizens and improve the overall welfare of the people.
As of mid-April 2025, the program’s achievements have shown promising trends. Data from the Ministry of Health reported that more than 70% of participants who underwent health checks claimed it was their first time having a comprehensive examination. More than 30% of adult participants were found to have hypertension and diabetes risk factors, and most of them were previously unaware of these conditions. This proves that the CKG program has a significant impact in raising awareness among the public about the importance of regular health checks.
Vice Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo Muhammad Syafi’i, encouraged all Indonesians to take advantage of the Free Health Check. This program is a realization of President Prabowo’s promise to provide free healthcare services to all Indonesians, without exception, from newborns to the elderly.
In the long term, this program is expected to be a strong foundation for a national healthcare system that is more responsive to disease prevention efforts. The government also plans to offer incentives to healthcare facilities and medical personnel who actively support the program to ensure its sustainability. Furthermore, regular evaluations and updates of data will be carried out to ensure the program’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Overall, the 2025 Free Health Check Program marks an important milestone in healthcare reform in Indonesia. With an increasing number of people utilizing this service, the government is optimistic that it will reduce the disease burden, increase life expectancy, and create a healthier and more productive generation. The CKG program is not just a health program but also a significant investment in the nation’s future.
