Source: Untar Public Relations
Health is one of the most essential aspects of human life, as it serves as the foundation for the continuity and quality of every individual’s life. Without good health, daily activities cannot be carried out optimally.
Every November 12, Indonesia commemorates National Health Day (HKN), which originated from the nation’s struggle against the malaria outbreak in the 1950s. To address the epidemic, the government established the Malaria Eradication Service, later known as KOPEM. On November 12, 1959, President Sukarno symbolically sprayed DDT insecticide in Kalasan Village, Yogyakarta, marking the beginning of the nationwide malaria eradication program. The initiative achieved remarkable success, saving millions of lives and bringing the malaria outbreak under control, leading to the establishment of the date as National Health Day.
Sixty-one years later, National Health Day continues to serve as an important momentum to raise public awareness of the importance of maintaining personal and environmental health. As reported by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the 2025 National Health Day commemorates the theme “Healthy Generation, Great Future,” emphasizing that the success of national development greatly depends on a healthy, productive, and highly competitive generation.
As the oldest private university in Indonesia, Universitas Tarumanagara (Untar) has a history closely tied to the spirit of concern for education and healthcare. Originating from the ideas of philanthropists within the Candra Naya Social Association, Untar was established as a manifestation of commitment to national progress. One realization of this commitment is the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine (FK), which plays an important role in producing professional and ethical medical personnel dedicated to serving society.
In line with this, a lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine of Untar, dr. Sari Mariyati Dewi N., M.Biomed., emphasized that the importance of maintaining good health should be instilled from a young age. According to her, routine health check-ups are not only intended to assess physical conditions but also serve as an initial step in detecting potential illnesses at an early stage.
“Through health check-ups, individuals can improve their lifestyle, prevent the emergence of more severe diseases, and invest in a better future. Maintaining health also means caring for oneself and loved ones,” she stated.
In closing her remarks, dr. Sari expressed her hopes for the younger generation to grow into healthy, progressive, and active individuals. She hopes that the younger generation will be able to adapt to technological, economic, and societal changes while contributing to the realization of a healthy, prosperous, and independent Indonesia.
The commemoration of National Health Day serves as a reminder that the effort to maintain health is a shared responsibility. Through collaboration among the government, educational institutions, medical professionals, and society, it is hoped that the spirit of “Healthy Generation, Great Future” can be realized for a healthier and more prosperous Indonesia. (VC/YS)