“The targeted proportion of free health checkups across all age groups is 46 percent of the total population,” said Aji Muhawarman, head of the ministry’s Bureau of Communication and Public Information, on Tuesday.
He noted that in 2025, a total of 70.8 million people, or 24.9 percent of the population, participated in the national program. He described the figure as a historic milestone for Indonesia’s health system, as the program marked the first time free health checkups were made available nationwide.
Muhawarman said the ministry, together with relevant stakeholders including other ministries, institutions, academics, and partners, had conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the program’s first year of implementation. The review identified several challenges that prevented the program from reaching its initial target of 100 million participants.
Among the key obstacles were limited public awareness of the program, varying levels of commitment among regional administrations, and the continued concentration of services at public health centers, known as puskesmas.
He added that uneven distribution of medical personnel and equipment, as well as an unintegrated reporting system, also hindered the program’s progress.
To achieve the 2026 target, the ministry will implement a number of measures, including broader dissemination of information, expansion of service delivery beyond puskesmas, and strengthening follow-up care after health screenings.
Muhawarman explained that the 46 percent coverage target for 2026 includes achieving high coverage in the majority of districts and cities (60 percent of district and cities have 80 percent or more in coverage), expanding access for newborns (70 percent), toddlers and preschoolers (50 percent), students and teenagers (35 percent), adults (45 percent), and the elderly (55 percent), in line with national development priorities.
He said the targets are aligned with the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan.
Muhawarman added that data generated from the program would serve as a foundation for future health policy formulation, with a focus on promotive and preventive care, strengthening the capacity of health workers, meeting infrastructure needs, and encouraging broader cross-sectoral involvement.
To ensure that free health checkups are followed by appropriate medical care, the ministry has coordinated with BPJS Kesehatan, the national health insurance administrator, so participants in the National Health Insurance program can access follow-up treatment.
The ministry is also working closely with regional governments to strengthen monitoring systems, enabling timely data collection and early intervention for individuals identified as being at health risk.
Related news: Free health checks help detect teen mental health issues early: govt
Related news: Free health checks for students targeting remote areas: Minister
Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
