As Indonesia marks its 80th year of independence, the nation has launched an ambitious healthcare initiative under President Prabowo Subianto. The Cek Kesehatan Gratis (CKG) program, offering free medical check-ups to all citizens, officially began on February 10, 2025.
According to Hasan Nasbi, Chief of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), this is the country’s largest state-funded health initiative to date. CKG is open to everyone, from health workers and farmers to students and the elderly. Participants will receive comprehensive health screenings, including blood pressure checks, BMI calculations, cholesterol and glucose tests, as well as eye, dental, and mental health evaluations.
Nasbi emphasized that the program aims to remove barriers to preventive healthcare, promoting early detection and reducing household medical expenses. He highlighted CKG’s role in the government’s broader vision for Golden Indonesia 2045, following the Free Nutritious Meals initiative aimed at 83 million Indonesians.
Branded as a “Birthday Gift from the State,” the program allows citizens to redeem free check-ups via the Satu Sehat mobile app on their birthdays at government clinics—where similar services could cost up to USD 100 at private facilities.
The initiative has gained international recognition, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praising Indonesia’s commitment to preventive healthcare. Nineteen government ministers were involved in overseeing the rollout in various regions.
Deputy Minister of Education, Technology, and Higher Education Stella Christie encouraged students and teachers to take advantage of the program, while Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed that early detection could contribute to longer life expectancy.
PCO spokesperson Philips J. Vermonte described CKG as a game-changer, shifting the focus from costly treatments to affordable prevention and aligning Indonesia with developed nations that champion universal healthcare.
“This is a national effort toward our collective well-being and a key step in achieving developed nation status by 2045,” Vermonte concluded.
