New Phenomenon in Indonesia: Junior High School Students Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — The trend of type 2 diabetes, a disease once synonymous with the elderly, is now alarmingly spreading to younger populations and teenagers. Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono revealed clinical findings that this metabolic disorder has even begun affecting children at the junior high school level.
This warning was delivered by Dante during an official speech at a health exhibition in the capital some time ago. From his perspective, the surge in type 2 diabetes cases among the younger generation is not solely triggered by hereditary factors but is closely linked to drastic lifestyle shifts occurring recently.
“Previously, type 2 diabetes was synonymous with those aged 40 or 50 years and above. But today, and this is what keeps me uneasy as a doctor, we are starting to see it appear in teenagers, even in some cases among junior high school children,” Dante stated, as quoted from a written statement on Sunday (21/6/2026).
He explained that several factors contributing to the rise in diabetes cases among teenagers include low physical activity, high screen time on gadgets, lack of sleep, and excessive consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar and ultra-processed products. Additionally, the mental stress faced by today’s teenagers exacerbates the condition. Ironically, type 2 diabetes in teenagers tends to develop more rapidly and aggressively compared to adults.
Facing this threat, he stressed that the primary solution is not merely medication but a change in habits starting from home. “This is not to scare anyone. Prevention must start now. Eat together, get enough sleep, reduce screen time, and be active together as a family,” he asserted.
Dante also shared his experience of climbing Mount Ciremai with his son as a way to maintain fitness while taking a break from gadget use.
The government, he continued, has responded to this issue through the Free Health Check-up programme, which reaches 25 million schoolchildren, as well as the implementation of a “nutri-level” programme, a labelling system from A to D on food and beverage packaging to warn the public about sugar content.
From school examinations, other health problems experienced early by teenagers were also discovered, such as hypertension, anaemia, and dental health issues.
The Canisius Health Expo 2026 is a manifestation of concern for health issues, initiated by alumni of Kolese Kanisius from the class of 2001 together with a private hospital in Jakarta. The event offers free health check-ups and consultations with specialist doctors for the public.
Thomas Gunawan Wibisono, Director of Kolese Kanisius, welcomed the initiative. He noted that the class of 2001 has produced 17 doctors who are now serving the community. “This is in line with our vision, to be men for others with others. The alumni are here to share the values of the college with others, especially those who face barriers in accessing healthcare,” he said.