Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the need for early diabetes prevention through behavior changes and routine checks. The statement was made during World Diabetes Day at RSUP Fatmawati in Jakarta. The Free Health Check program will be a key strategy for early detection.
During World Diabetes Day at RSUP Fatmawati in Jakarta on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stressed that diabetes prevention must begin early through behavior changes, routine examinations, and equal access to health services for all societal layers. Diabetes was highlighted as one of the diseases with the heaviest health financing burden, posing high risks of complications and death if not detected early. He emphasized the importance of regular check-ups, including for children and adolescents.
“Diabetes is not just about blood sugar. Its impacts are broad, affecting quality of life, productivity, and national financing. Therefore, we must act faster through early detection and prevention,” said the Minister.
As a government commitment, the Free Health Check (CKG) program will be used to identify risk factors and diabetes cases early in communities, covering children, adults, and the elderly. “Through CKG, we want the public to know their health conditions sooner and not miss interventions. The earlier it is found, the greater the chance to prevent severe complications and reduce treatment costs,” he explained.
The government is also strengthening case recording through digital health data integration (registry) and expanding treatment access, including insulin. The Minister noted that success requires cross-sector support, such as from families, health workers, communities, schools, and workplaces. “Health is a long-term investment. We want children, adolescents, and the productive generation to grow healthy and free from diabetes complications. This can only be achieved through collaboration from all parties,” he concluded.
RSUP Fatmawati's Director of Medical and Nursing Services, dr. Muhammad Azhari Taufik, reported a significant increase in type 1 diabetes patients over the last two years, from 38 in 2024 to 65 in 2025, aligning with data from DKI Jakarta Province. He stressed multi-party support for management, including family accompaniment and psychosocial aid. “Diabetes is a long journey. These children must be supported to grow, learn, and achieve. It's not just about insulin therapy, but ensuring they can live healthy, happy, and confident lives,” he added.
Furthermore, digitalization via the Satu Sehat platform is seen as crucial for effective monitoring. “Health data must be integrated. When digitalization works well, monitoring is easier, treatment more precise, and policies more accurate,” explained dr. Azhari.