Over 8.8 million students join free health check program

Over 8.8 million students have enrolled in Indonesia’s Free Health Check-up (CKG) program, which has been operating in schools nationwide since its launch on August 4, 2025. According to data released by the Indonesian Government Communications Agency (Bakom), the initiative has reached a total of 8,824,185 students as of July 14, 2026. The program targets children aged 7 to 17 and includes comprehensive medical screenings aimed at identifying and addressing common health concerns among young learners. The CKG program was initiated with the goal of improving the overall health and academic performance of students through early disease detection and lifestyle education. During a press conference held on Wednesday, Bakom’s Deputy III for Partnerships and Media Relations, Kurnia Ramadhana, shared findings from the latest round of health checks conducted between January 1 and July 14, 2026. He highlighted that dental cavities were the most prevalent issue, affecting 40.8 percent of participants. Other notable findings included hypertension in 27.7 percent of students, impacted earwax in 6.9 percent, and obesity in 6.7 percent. Additionally, 27.3 percent of female adolescents were diagnosed with anemia. The program includes a range of services designed to support student wellness, such as physical activity assessments, anemia screenings for female adolescents, and evaluations of eye, ear, dental, and psychological health. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that children receive timely care and guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ramadhana emphasized that the initiative helps parents access advanced healthcare facilities more efficiently if initial screenings reveal potential health risks. The CKG program is being implemented across a vast network of educational institutions, including 184,714 elementary schools, 68,109 junior high schools, 43,032 senior high schools, 4,048 Islamic boarding schools, and 3,360 special education schools. This extensive coverage reflects the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare services to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location. The initiative aligns with recent calls from officials to prioritize children’s well-being over academic performance. A related news item mentioned that a minister urged educators and parents to focus on the holistic development of students rather than solely on grades. This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of the importance of mental and physical health in shaping long-term success. Looking ahead, the government has set a target of reaching 50,255,073 students across 303,263 schools this year. With the current participation rate already surpassing expectations, authorities are optimistic about expanding the program further. The continued success of the CKG initiative will depend on sustained funding, trained personnel, and community engagement to ensure that all students benefit from regular health assessments and preventive care.