Smile Train Reaffirms Commitment to Safe, Free Treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate
Ramadan is always a moment for sharing and expanding concern. For some families in Indonesia, the care comes in a very simple but lifelong form—an operation that restores their child’s smile.
Families of patients with cleft lip and palate gathered for the silaturahim ‘Harmony Ramadan Create a Smile’ organised by Smile Train Indonesia. Supported by the law firm Dentons HPRP, the gathering was arranged with interactive and educational discussions and also featured a plastic surgeon. The event was broadcast live via Smile Train Indonesia’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, allowing people to follow online.
Country Manager Smile Train Indonesia, Deasy Larasati, explained that Indonesia remains among the top three countries with the highest number of cleft lip and palate cases in the world.
‘Every year, thousands of babies are born with this condition. Without early treatment, a cleft can affect the ability to eat, speak, and the child’s growth and psychosocial development. In fact, the cleft operation can be performed in around 45 minutes. With stringent safety standards and the support of professional medical personnel, this procedure can substantially improve a child’s quality of life,’ she said.
Since 2002, Smile Train Indonesia has supported about 7,000 free operations each year, and in the near future will approach almost 200,000 operations nationwide. Globally, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million cleft operations, with the 2 millionth patient from Indonesia—a milestone that underscores the country’s important role in the organisation’s global journey.
The plastic surgeon who is also a Smile Train Indonesia partner, Dr Yantoko, explained that cleft operations conducted with Smile Train always prioritise safe procedures, in line with medical standards, and typically last around 45 minutes.
‘Of course we encourage operations to be done as early as possible to prevent complications. Early treatment can prevent long-term impacts on growth and psychosocial development,’ he said.
The success of cleft operations is not only measured by the visible physical changes but also by how children can return to their growth and development optimally. Therefore, ongoing care becomes an inseparable part of the recovery process.
The collaboration with Smile Train and Dentons HPRP emphasises the importance of cross-sector roles in supporting public health. Andre Rahadian, Secretary of the Smile Train Indonesia Foundation and also a Partner at Dentons HPRP, said that this collaboration originated from shared caring values.
‘Ramadan teaches us about sharing and social responsibility. We believe the business world, especially us at Dentons HPRP, can take a real role in helping children with cleft conditions. Personally, I have a calling and believe we must give back to society. We believe every support given means opening a brighter future for them,’ he said.
As an archipelagic country with vast geographical challenges, reaching patients in remote areas requires joint effort. Through ‘Harmony Ramadan Create a Smile’, Smile Train Indonesia and Dentons HPRP hope more people will join in creating more smiles.
In this holy month, Smile Train Indonesia also invites the public to be more attuned to their surroundings. If there are families, relatives, or neighbours with a cleft lip condition, do not hesitate to contact Smile Train or nearest partner hospitals. The operation can be performed at a much more affordable cost than commercial plastic surgery, with clear and safe medical standards. Moreover, the care provided is comprehensive and sustained.
‘Operation is only the first step. After the operation, we continue to monitor the children. Many are directed toward further services such as orthodontics and psychological support to strengthen their mental resilience. In 2026, we will also strengthen self-development programmes through soft-skill training such as dance and public speaking, so that they are not only physically recovered but also confident to channel their best potential. Because for a child with cleft lip, one correct action can change a life forever,’ said Deasy.