Yastroki's 37th Anniversary: Strengthen Collaboration Towards "Stroke Friendly Indonesia" Through Early Detection at the Family Level

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Stroke Foundation (Yastroki) celebrates its 37th anniversary by carrying out a major mission to accelerate the creation of a supportive health ecosystem for stroke survivors. Through the theme "With Spirit in the New Year 2026, Yastroki Builds Collaboration Towards a Stroke-Friendly Indonesia", Yastroki emphasizes the importance of the role of the family as the front line in early detection and rapid treatment of stroke attacks.

Health data shows that stroke is still a serious threat to the Indonesian people. Referring to the Indonesian Health Profile, stroke ranks second in the highest cause of death after heart disease. With an estimated 500,000 new cases each year, 70% to 80% of stroke survivors have to face permanent disabilities that impact quality of life and national productivity.

The General Secretary of Yastroki, Major General TNI (Ret.) Dr. dr. Tugas Ratmono, Sp.N, MARS, MH, in his speech emphasized that the key to reducing the number of deaths and disabilities due to stroke is the speed of treatment time (time is brain).

"Entering the age of 37, Yastroki not only wants to be a platform for education, but also a driver of collaboration. We want to realize 'Indonesia Friendly Stroke'. This starts from the family. If every family member is able to do early detection and immediately bring the patient to the right health facility, we can save many lives and prevent permanent disability," said Dr. dr. Tugas Ratmono.

He added that Yastroki continues to encourage the birth of the role of Stroke Helper at the level of Rukun Warga (RW). These volunteers are expected to become a tongue-in-cheek to direct patients with signs of stroke to "Stroke Friendly Hospitals" which have comprehensive treatment facilities.

Focus on Early Detection and Education

As part of the series of Talk Shows, Prodia held a hybrid Talk Show entitled "Understanding Stroke Risk Factors" at Prodia Tower, Central Jakarta. This activity aims to equip the public with an understanding of stroke risk factors such as hypertension (which is suffered by 25-30% of adults), diabetes, and unhealthy diets.

Considering the prevalence of stroke in Indonesia reaches 10 per 1,000 people, Yastroki is committed to continue to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and various stakeholders. The main focus in 2026 is to expand the reach of education to all branches of Yastroki in Indonesia to control the morbidity (pain) and mortality (death) rates due to stroke.

"Our hope is that this 37th anniversary celebration will be a momentum for all parties - the government, health workers, to the community - to synergize. Stroke can be prevented and its adverse effects can be minimized if we collaborate in a tangible way," concluded Dr. dr. Tugas Ratmono.