By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The government under President Prabowo Subianto continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening the national health system, particularly in its promotive and preventive aspects. One key breakthrough, deemed effective and impactful, is the Free Health Check Program (CKG), which has now become a strategic pillar in efforts to build a healthier, more productive, and more competitive Indonesian society. This program not only provides free healthcare services but also shifts the public’s paradigm from seeking treatment when sick to maintaining health from an early age.
President Prabowo Subianto firmly positioned the Community Health Program (CKG) as part of the national healthcare transformation. Initiated by the Ministry of Health, this program is designed to reach all levels of society without discrimination, regardless of economic or geographical background. Throughout 2025, the implementation of the CKG achieved significant results and received widespread public appreciation. High levels of public participation are clear evidence that the benefits of the state’s presence in basic healthcare services are truly felt.
The latest data from the Ministry of Health shows that by the end of 2025, the number of people utilizing CKG services had exceeded 70 million. According to daily reports, 70,292,151 people attended out of a total of 73,128,356 registrants, representing an attendance rate of 96.12 percent. This figure reflects the very high level of public trust in the free healthcare services provided by the government. This achievement also confirms that CKG is not merely a symbolic program, but rather a real public need.
The Head of the Ministry of Health’s Communication and Public Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, stated that public enthusiasm for the CKG is an indicator of growing public awareness of the importance of early disease detection. He believes that many non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, can be prevented or better controlled if detected early. Therefore, the CKG is considered highly relevant in reducing long-term healthcare costs while improving people’s quality of life.
Overall, the evaluation of the 2025 CKG implementation noted that the program has reached approximately 70.8 million people, equivalent to 24.9 percent of Indonesia’s total population. This achievement underpins the government’s optimism about expanding CKG coverage by 2026. The Ministry of Health targets CKG coverage to reach 46 percent of the total population, encompassing all age groups, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. This ambitious target reflects the government’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable national health foundation.
The CKG program is also considered a significant milestone in the history of Indonesia’s healthcare system. For the first time, the government is providing free health check-ups to all citizens, as part of a healthcare transformation that emphasizes promotive and preventive efforts. This policy aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious vision of creating healthy, superior human resources capable of driving sustainable national economic growth.
The successful implementation of the CKG is inseparable from the support of thousands of healthcare workers across Indonesia. The program is implemented in 38 provinces, involving 514 districts/cities, and is supported by more than 10,000 healthcare facilities, including community health centers (Puskesmas), clinics, and other facilities. Synergy between the central government, local governments, and healthcare workers in the field is key to the program’s sustainability and effectiveness.
At the regional level, public interest in the CKG is also evident, particularly in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). The Yogyakarta City Health Office considers the CKG an important tool in encouraging the public to undergo regular health checks. Lana Unwanah, Head of the Prevention, Disease Control, and Data Management and Health Information Systems Division of the Yogyakarta City Health Office, emphasized that ideally, every citizen should undergo the CKG at least once a year.
However, Lana acknowledged that public awareness of the importance of CKG still needs to be improved. The facilities provided at community health centers (Puskesmas) have not been fully utilized. While the 2025 target of 36 percent CKG coverage in Yogyakarta City was achieved, some people still harbor negative stigmas, such as the belief that it’s better to remain uninformed. However, through CKG, potential non-communicable diseases can be prevented and treated early before they develop into more serious conditions.
This situation demonstrates that, in addition to providing services, public education is also a crucial aspect of the CKG’s success. The central and regional governments continue to strengthen outreach efforts to ensure the public understands that early detection of health conditions is a wise step towards maintaining quality of life. Early detection can reduce the risk of complications, minimize medical costs, and maintain community productivity.
As one of President Prabowo Subianto’s quick-win programs, the Free Health Check Program (CKG) is expected to serve as a strong foundation for building a culture of health awareness within the community. Going forward, expanding coverage, strengthening service quality, and integrating national health data will further strengthen CKG’s position as a strategic instrument for health development. With strong political commitment and broad public support, the Free Health Check Program is believed to be an important legacy in realizing a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous Indonesia.
*) Public health observer
