By Juliana Amartha )*
The Free Health Check (CKG) program, now entering its second year of implementation, deserves broad support from all elements of the nation. This program is not simply a populist health policy, but rather a strategic step by the government to ensure the public’s basic right to fair and equitable healthcare services. As we enter 2026, the CKG policy’s focus on the management and handling of test results marks the maturity of the program’s design and demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustainably improving public health.
To date, many health screening programs stop at the detection stage. The public is informed about their health conditions, but this is not always followed up with clear and affordable treatment. Therefore, the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s policy of integrating CKG with follow-up services represents a significant breakthrough. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that CKG should not stop at the examination process but should instead lead to integrated, free prevention and treatment. This approach reflects the state’s commitment to vulnerable groups, who often face challenges in terms of cost and access to healthcare.
The guarantee of free medical treatment for the first 15 days for individuals diagnosed with health problems through the CKG demonstrates the government’s real commitment. The continued National Health Insurance scheme for active BPJS Kesehatan participants also strengthens service continuity. Meanwhile, those not yet registered are encouraged to activate their BPJS Kesehatan membership. Thus, the CKG does not stand alone but serves as a gateway to a more inclusive and sustainable national health insurance system.
The urgency of this program is further clarified by the 2025 CKG evaluation data presented by Director General of Public Health Maria Endang Sumiwi. Health challenges across various age groups remain very real, ranging from low birth weight babies, high rates of cavities in toddlers, high blood pressure in adolescents, central obesity in adults, and hypertension, which affects more than half of the elderly. This data confirms that public health issues are cross-age and require systematic intervention early on, rather than reactive treatment when the disease is already severe.
The new focus of the CKG in 2026, which emphasizes the handling of test results, is expected to address these challenges. By ensuring the public receives appropriate, prompt, and sustainable services, the CKG has the potential to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, which have been the largest contributor to national healthcare costs. Furthermore, this approach aligns with efforts to develop healthy, productive, and competitive human resources.
The expansion of the CKG, which integrates eye health services, is another strategic step worthy of appreciation. The Ministry of Health has noted an increasing trend of visual impairment in Indonesia, including millions of children with uncorrected refractive errors. The Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated that the target of eye health screening for approximately 140 million people by 2026 is an ambitious but crucial effort. Untreated vision impairment has the potential to hinder children’s growth and development, academic achievement, and productivity in adulthood.
The 2025 evaluation, which showed that approximately 17 percent of the 55 million screened population had visual impairment, is a serious alarm. Strengthening early detection in primary health care services, even in remote areas, is essential. International support through the World Health Organization’s SPECS 2030 global initiative, as well as a partnership with the EssilorLuxottica Foundation’s OneSight, demonstrates that Indonesia is on the right track to eliminating preventable visual impairment. Training health workers, particularly nurses, for basic eye examinations also strengthens service capacity at the grassroots level.
Equity is key to the success of the CKG. The presence of patient centers in island regions like the Seribu Islands also reflects the government’s commitment to reaching communities in remote areas. Without such affirmative action, the gap in access to healthcare services will continue to widen. Therefore, the integration of services and the expansion of the CKG’s reach must be continuously monitored to ensure it truly reaches the entire Indonesian population.
Regional support for the CKG is also a determining factor. The launch of the CKG in high schools (SMA), vocational schools (SMK), and special needs schools (SLB) in North Maluku Province by Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos demonstrates how national policies can be accelerated through regional leadership. The North Maluku Provincial Government’s commitment to completing health screenings for approximately 70,000 students in a short time reflects its commitment to ensuring national health standards are met from the start of school. Cross-sectoral coordination between the health office, educational institutions, and district and city governments serves as an example of good practice worthy of replication in other regions.
The Free Health Check Program is not just a health sector agenda, but a long-term investment for the nation. Public support, synergy between the central and regional governments, and consistent policies will determine its success in reaching the entire Indonesian population. By ensuring every citizen has access to adequate health checks and treatment, the Free Health Check Program (CKG) is a crucial foundation for realizing a healthier, more productive, and more equitable Indonesia.
)* the author is a public policy observer
