Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto plans to introduce a free medical check-up programme targeting 55 million Indonesians starting in 2025. The initiative is part of broader healthcare reforms and will focus on key health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, uric acid, and early detection of severe diseases. This aligns with efforts to combat tuberculosis, a major public health challenge in Indonesia where the country ranks second globally for TB cases.
The free medical check-up programme will initially prioritize individuals over 50 and those at high risk of contracting TB or serious illnesses. Over the next five years, the program aims to cover an estimated 200 million citizens. The government has earmarked 5 trillion rupiah from the 2025 draft State Budget to fund the initiative and improve healthcare infrastructure, with funds allocated specifically for the check-up program and expanding healthcare facilities, including new hospitals.
The focus of these initiatives is not just treatment but also preventative care and promoting healthy living among Indonesians. By encouraging early detection and routine health monitoring, the aim is to reduce the financial burden on the Social Security Agency for Health. Mr. Hasan Nasbi, head of the Presidential Communications Office, emphasized that good health is crucial for building a healthier, more productive generation and the free medical check-up program is a vital step in safeguarding Indonesia’s human resources.
While there are questions about how the programme will integrate with existing healthcare services, discussions are ongoing between Mr. Prabowo’s incoming administration and Indonesia’s national health care agency BPJS Kesehatan. Health experts have expressed cautious optimism about the programme, with some highlighting it as a critical preventive measure to curb the decline in public health standards. Preventing diseases not only benefits public health but also helps avoid overwhelming the national healthcare budget in the future.
Overall, the free medical check-up programme in Indonesia’s healthcare reforms under President-elect Prabowo Subianto shows a commitment to improving the health of the population through preventative measures and early detection. By targeting key health indicators and prioritizing individuals at high risk, the initiative aims to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and promote healthy living. While questions remain about integration and funding, the programme is viewed positively by health experts as a step towards improving public health standards and better managing healthcare costs in Indonesia.
