In a remarkable stride toward public health, Kabupaten Gorontalo has emerged as a standout example of comprehensive healthcare coverage in Indonesia. According to GORONTALOPOST, as of January 2026, the district's participation rate in the National Health Insurance (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional, or JKN) program managed by BPJS Kesehatan has soared to an impressive 101.03 percent, with a card activation rate of 95 percent. This achievement, which surpasses the national target, means that almost every resident in the region possesses an active BPJS Kesehatan card, ready to be used for medical services without administrative hurdles.
The backbone of this success lies in the local government's unwavering commitment to both data management and financial support. Bupati Gorontalo, Sofyan Puhi, highlighted the importance of consistent participant data management and a strong, sustainable budget commitment. "The success of Kabupaten Gorontalo as a BPJS-complete region is fully supported by adequate fiscal allocation. The local government allocated a subsidy of Rp41 billion in the 2026 regional budget (APBD) to finance the contributions for the Penerima Bantuan Iuran (PBI) category," Sofyan explained, as reported by GORONTALOPOST.
This targeted subsidy is aimed squarely at the PBI group—those who receive contribution assistance—ensuring that no underprivileged citizen is left behind due to financial constraints. The result? Free medical treatment is now accessible to all layers of the Kabupaten Gorontalo community, a feat that not only meets but exceeds national health standards.
The district's achievements have not gone unnoticed at the national level. At the beginning of 2026, Kabupaten Gorontalo was honored with the UHC Award Kategori Utama, a prestigious accolade recognizing its success in guaranteeing comprehensive health access. This award places Gorontalo among the top 75 out of 514 districts and cities across Indonesia, as GORONTALOPOST notes, celebrated for securing the health rights of its people. "This award is given for the region's success in ensuring budget availability and ease of health service access for the community," Bupati Sofyan clarified.
The practical impact of this recognition is profound. Not only does it validate the district's health policies, but it also guarantees that free medical services are available to everyone, regardless of their background. Sofyan reaffirmed this commitment, stating, "This award is proof of our commitment to ensuring the protection of public health. The local government will continue to maintain the sustainability of JKN participation and the activity rate of participants so that all residents can access health services optimally."
While Gorontalo’s achievement sets a high bar for regional healthcare, another conversation in Jakarta underscores the importance of proactive personal health management. At a press conference titled "Etawalin bersama Maia Estianty Ajak masyarakat Indonesia untuk #LebihKuatKejarSehat" on January 27, 2026, Dr. Nadia Bunga Anggraini, a herbal medicine physician and member of the Indonesian Association of Doctors Developing Traditional Medicine and Jamu (PDPOTJI), emphasized the vital role of musculoskeletal health in maintaining independence and productivity throughout adulthood and into old age.
Dr. Nadia’s message, reported by ANTARA, was clear: "Bone, joint, and muscle health are crucial for maintaining independence and productivity from adulthood into old age." She pointed out that many only realize the importance of physical independence when their bodies begin to falter. "If in old age, you need help to lift even simple items, it indicates that muscle and joint health was not maintained from the start," she said.
Her advice? Prevention should be the norm, not the exception. "Many people only start caring when their knees already hurt. In fact, the most important thing is to take care of them before complaints arise," Dr. Nadia noted. She advocated for regular, preventive body care as an integral part of daily life, rather than a reaction to pain or discomfort.
Dr. Nadia also highlighted the complementary role of natural ingredients and functional foods in maintaining stamina and overall health. Unlike chemical drugs, which she described as typically having a single main function, herbal medicines contain a variety of active compounds that work together. "Herbal medicines do not work with just one substance. They contain many active compounds that support each other, unlike chemical drugs which usually have only one main function," she explained.
Among the functional foods she recommended, Etawa goat milk stands out. According to Dr. Nadia, it is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—nutrients that support daily energy requirements and aid recovery, especially for adults who remain physically active. "Etawa goat milk is a functional food that not only contains active compounds but also nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals needed by the body for daily activities," she told ANTARA.
Her guidance extends to the routine consumption of herbal and functional foods, not just when health issues arise but as a daily habit. "Herbal and functional foods should be consumed as part of everyday life. When the body is fit, just enough. If unwell, the portion can be adjusted," Dr. Nadia advised. She also stressed the importance of physical activity and balanced lifestyle habits as pillars for staying strong and productive. The ultimate goal, she said, is to maintain quality of life so that individuals can remain independent and active well into old age.
The stories from both Gorontalo and Jakarta offer a compelling lesson: robust health infrastructure and personal responsibility go hand in hand. While the government’s role in ensuring universal health coverage is critical, individual choices—like embracing preventive care, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity—are equally vital for lifelong well-being.
As Kabupaten Gorontalo continues to set new benchmarks for public health access and as experts like Dr. Nadia encourage Indonesians to take charge of their own health, the message is clear: comprehensive, sustainable health is achievable when communities and individuals work together. In a rapidly changing world, these examples shine as beacons of hope and practical progress.