By: Arman Panggabean
The nationwide launch of the School Free Health Check Program (CKG Sekolah) on Monday, August 4, 2025, marks a significant step by the Indonesian government in building a solid health foundation for the country’s children. Far beyond a routine health check, the initiative is a national strategy aimed at ensuring that future generations possess the physical and mental readiness to face the challenges ahead. By targeting 53.8 million students across multiple educational levels, the government demonstrates a firm commitment to promotive and preventive healthcare that reaches the grassroots—starting in schools.
Adita Irawati, Senior Expert at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), described CKG Sekolah as a critical long-term investment in human capital development. She emphasized that children’s health is the foundation for shaping an excellent and competitive generation. Through this program, the government aims to ensure that every child receives adequate health screening, free of charge, regardless of economic status. This reflects a clear awareness that education quality cannot be optimized without strong physical and mental well-being.
Adita further explained that this initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of a preventive-based transformation in national healthcare services. Traditionally, Indonesians seek medical help only when they fall ill. Through CKG Sekolah, the government seeks to shift this mindset—embedding the habit of regular check-ups from an early age. This allows health issues to be identified and treated before they escalate into serious conditions.
Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communications Office, echoed this message, emphasizing the need to build collective awareness around preventive health. He stressed that even healthy individuals should be encouraged to undergo regular check-ups. According to him, this mindset shift is essential, as many illnesses are often detected only after reaching an advanced stage. Therefore, the government is taking proactive measures by conducting school-based health checks so that children don’t have to wait until they’re sick to receive medical care.
Hasan also highlighted that this door-to-door (jemput bola) approach is both effective and efficient. By visiting schools directly, mass and structured health screenings can be conducted. This strategy allows for the early detection of health issues that may impact a child’s future development. Child health, he stressed, not only affects present well-being but also determines future quality of life and productivity.
The program, first launched in Sekolah Rakyat in July 2025, has now expanded to formal educational institutions, reflecting the government’s effort to continuously evaluate and improve the initiative. With 282,000 educational units covered, this is one of the largest health initiatives ever implemented by the government, signifying its seriousness in safeguarding the health of young Indonesians.
As of August 1, 2025, data shows that over 16 million Indonesians have accessed CKG services—an impressive figure that highlights public enthusiasm and underscores the program’s real-world relevance. If successful in schools, the program could potentially achieve its national coverage target of 281 million people in a relatively short time.
CKG Sekolah also plays a strategic role in supporting Indonesia’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation with high-quality human resources. Ensuring children’s health directly contributes to improved learning outcomes, as healthy children are better able to focus and perform in school. In the long run, this program may also help reduce the burden of chronic diseases, which continue to place enormous strain on Indonesia’s healthcare system.
The nationwide launch of CKG Sekolah sends a strong message that health is a fundamental right of every child and a shared responsibility across society. The government is not only providing facilities and healthcare workers but also working to cultivate a culture of healthy living from a young age. When such awareness is nurtured early, future generations are more likely to care for their own health and the well-being of their communities.
From the statements of Adita Irawati and Hasan Nasbi, it’s clear that CKG Sekolah is more than a technical policy—it is part of a grand vision to build a healthy, resilient, and globally competitive Indonesia. The government has laid a strong foundation through this initiative, but its success will depend heavily on the collective support of schools, parents, medical professionals, and society at large.
If consistency in implementation and broadening of coverage are maintained, CKG Sekolah has the potential to become a historic milestone in national healthcare services. It addresses not only medical aspects but also nurtures public awareness that health is the primary capital for building the nation’s future. Supporting this program wholeheartedly is a wise move toward achieving an Indonesia that is healthier, smarter, and globally competitive.
Social Policy Analyst – Lembaga Sosial Madani Institute
