Indonesia Ministry of Health targets vision impairment through new programs

The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has reported that approximately 1.6 million people have been identified with vision impairments following eye examinations conducted through the Free Health Check (CKG) program. Out of 34 million people screened, these findings have prompted the launch of the Comprehensive Community Eye Care (CCEC) program in conjunction with World Sight Day 2026.

Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that 90 percent of the world's 1.1 billion cases of untreated vision impairment are preventable or treatable. Over the next three years, the CCEC program aims to screen more than 60,000 students and workers across five provinces and 19 regencies/cities.

The Ministry's strategic response includes strengthening eye screenings, expanding access to cataract surgeries, increasing the availability of ophthalmologists, and enhancing eye health education in schools and workplaces. The government is also coordinating with BPJS Kesehatan and the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (PERDAMI) to address regional disparities in cataract surgery services.

In support of these efforts, local initiatives such as those organized by IKASMAN37 Jakarta, Alumni3790, and the Lions Club have provided free eye examinations and glasses to students and teachers at SMAN 37 Jakarta to improve access to eye care services.