Free Health Check Results, Government Focuses on Addressing Children's Mental Problems

Jakarta - The Free Health Check (CKG) program for the period 2025-2026 found indications of mental health problems in almost 10 percent of children in Indonesia.

From the approximately 7 million children who have undergone examinations, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has detected a significant number of symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health Office, Jakarta, Monday, March 9.

Budi revealed that as many as 4.4 percent or around 338 thousand children showed symptoms of anxiety (anxiety disorder). Meanwhile, 4.8 percent or around 363 thousand children showed symptoms of depression (depression disorder). Following up on the findings, the Ministry of Health targets the expansion of CKG screening to reach 25 million children.

Director General of Primary and Community Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, said the screening results would be followed up by the Puskesmas. Currently, the government is also accelerating the fulfillment of clinical psychologists at the Puskesmas, whose number is still limited, namely around 203 people.

In addition, the government has activated a mental health crisis service through Healing119.id to support rapid intervention.