Indonesian President Prabowo's free birthday check is low

The program has been applied to children up to 6 years of age and adults over 18 years of age, and aims to raise health care and health awareness, as official data suggests that many of the 280 million people in the country have never had basic health checks.

According to the Indonesia Health Survey in 2023, nearly 40% of the population has never been screened because non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the country. The program will also check for specific illnesses and health status based on the age and gender of the beneficiary.

To access the program, citizens must register through the health services application SATU SEHAT mobile and activate their National Health Insurance membership at least one month before their birthday. They can then go to the community health center (Puskesmas) or a government-cooperated clinic for birthday screenings.

Health authorities in regions including North Sumatra, Palembang, South Sulawesi and Bali have been promoting the program through Puskesmas staff and social media, but public enthusiasm remains low, with some of them believing the complex registration process because they are not interested in participating in the program.

Also Read: Indonesia to Turn on $183 million for Free Health Screening

Sophia Qadarsih, head of Jongaya Puskesmas of Makassar in South Sulawesi, said only 52 people have participated in the inspection program since its launch last month. In contrast, in February alone, medical institutions provided services to more than 1,800 people through other programs including medical examinations.

“I think because this is a new plan, the public has not responded to it yet,” Sofia said Friday.

Hasnawati, a 54-year-old visitor of Puskesmas, said she had just discovered the program but was hesitant because she had to sign up with her smartphone, but she rarely used it.

“I came to the clinic [another] The NCD inspection program is also free. I just had to bring my ID card and I also received my medicine. ” she said.

Meanwhile, in Palembang, South Sumatra, a 39-year-old street vendor named Lisa was surprised to learn about the free health screening, saying she had no access to information about the program.

“If my birthday was early February and I could have a free check, it would be great, but I don’t know how to get more information [about the program]. I don't even know how to register. ” she said.

Erfiana Umar, head of Merdeka Puskesmas in Palembang, said the health center has sent invitations to citizens via text messages and shared information about the program.

“Our facilities are also complete. The only problem is people [just aren’t showing up],” she said.

Also read: All Health Checks

In Bali, only 4,000 people are registered in the island's 120 Puskesmas, less than one-tenth of its total population. In North Sumatra, more than 12,000 people have registered through the app, but only about 10,000 people have appeared.

According to the Ministry of Health spokesman Widyawati, around 300,000 people have signed free birthday medical checkup plans nationwide. This is far from the government’s goal this year, and by the end of the 2029 presidential term, it is far from the goal of 280 million people.

To address low turnout, Viavati said the ministry plans to strengthen community outreach efforts.

“Just like we’ve done with the Covid-19 vaccination motivation, there are a lot of initiatives even outside the government. In the coming weeks, we’ll be doing some pilot projects involving Jakarta’s private sector and mass organizations,” she said last week.

In addition to low turnout, several clinics have reported technical difficulties in implementing free health screening programs due to limited supply and manpower.

In Med Island, for example, Elsa Dodolang, an official at the city’s health agency, told the Post that insufficient inventory of single use of medical supplies has prevented several clinics from conducting inspections in accordance with national guidelines.

Ekasakti Octohariyanto, secretary general of the Indonesian Puskesmas Association (APKESMI), told lawmakers at a meeting last week that most Puskesmas in the country face similar problems.

Ekasakti continued that the findings were based on a rapid survey conducted by the association, which interviewed 1,095 Puskesmas respondents from 38 provinces in the country. There are 10,416 Puskesmas in the country.

“We do think that medical supplies in Pusquesmas are still very limited, which may really hinder the implementation of free health screening programs,” he said.