Jakarta, August 4, 2025 — The government officially launched the Free Health Check in Schools (CKG Sekolah) program on Monday, August 4, 2025, bringing early health screenings directly to schools in an effort to detect potential health issues among students as early as possible—ensuring swift and effective intervention.
“Today, the government is proactively coming to schools—elementary, middle, and high schools—to examine the health of our children. Early detection of potential illnesses can prevent future danger and allow for timely treatment,” said Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), during a visit to SMA 6 South Tangerang on Monday (8/4).
The nationwide rollout covers all school levels, from elementary to senior high. At SMA 6 South Tangerang, 1,225 students received free health checks, which included assessments of nutritional status, blood sugar levels, hemoglobin (Hb), vision, hearing, and dental health. A total of 13 healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, dentists, and nutritionists—from the Pamulang Community Health Center were deployed to carry out the program.
Hasan explained that the school-based CKG program not only aims to identify health problems early but also seeks to promote healthy habits through ongoing education. For instance, students are taught the proper way to brush their teeth and clean their ears.
“They’re also learning how to maintain a balanced diet and stay physically fit—so eventually, visiting a health facility won’t only happen when they’re sick, but even when they’re healthy,” Hasan said.
This shift in mindset, he continued, should extend beyond schools to the general public. “People should visit health centers while they’re still healthy, so they can understand their health risks, adopt better lifestyles, and embrace a culture of preventive care,” he added. “That way, dangerous illnesses can be minimized—or even eliminated entirely—helping all of us live healthier lives.”
Asnawi Abdullah, Head of the Health Development Policy Agency at the Ministry of Health, reinforced that CKG in schools is intended to build a foundation of healthy behaviors from an early age.
“We believe schools are the gateway to fostering a culture of health, and we must start there,” he asserted.
According to Asnawi, it’s easier to instill healthy habits in students than to change adult behavior. “Take smoking, for example—getting adults to quit is extremely difficult. But teaching schoolchildren to avoid smoking is far more effective,” he said.
He expressed hope that the health habits instilled in students today will carry into adulthood. “That’s why we view schools as the ideal entry point for building a healthier national culture,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Aryo Gustian Wisesa, a tenth-grade student at SMA 6 South Tangerang and one of the program participants, said he was excited to take part in the health screening. “I was a little nervous during the blood test, but after that, it was totally fine,” he said with a smile.
