West Java Commits to Boosting Life Expectancy Through KITA SEHAT Programme
The West Java Provincial Government is committed to increasing public life expectancy by strengthening integrated primary healthcare services. This commitment was affirmed by West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan during the launch of the KITA SEHAT Programme at the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas office in Jakarta on Monday (20/7/2026).
According to Deputy Governor Erwan, improving health standards is the primary foundation for developing superior human resources in West Java. “We are committed to improving the quality of public health services with the support of the KITA SEHAT Programme. Strengthening primary healthcare services is not merely about improving service quality, but is a form of health governance reform to make it more effective, equitable, and sustainable,” Erwan stated.
He assessed that the KITA SEHAT Programme is highly relevant to the social and health challenges in West Java, particularly in efforts to accelerate stunting reduction and improve toddler nutrition. This collaborative programme is expected to act as a catalyst for accelerating health transformation across the province’s 27 districts and cities.
As evidence of seriousness at the regional level, the West Java Provincial Government previously launched the Village Doctor Programme. This innovation places medical personnel in remote areas to ensure the public has closer, faster, and higher-quality access to health services. “The success of health transformation in West Java will have a very significant impact, not only for the residents of West Java, but also for achieving national health development targets,” Erwan said.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasised that the simplest indicator of a healthy society is an increase in life expectancy. The government is targeting the life expectancy of Indonesians to rise from 74 years to 76 years within the next five years. “The government’s main focus is keeping people healthy, and then treating those who are sick. Therefore, strengthening primary healthcare services is a priority,” Budi stated.
Budi noted that people who can maintain their health will avoid various chronic diseases and thus will not depend on hospital services. He also urged the public to undergo regular annual health check-ups as an early detection measure for various disease risk factors. Budi added that the Australian Government’s support through the KITA SEHAT Programme is specifically designed to strengthen primary healthcare services so that promotive and preventive efforts can reach the public more widely and equitably.