Jakarta, June 21 -- For decades, Indonesians have visited community health centers mainly when they were sick. Now, the government is reshaping primary healthcare to detect risks earlier and prevent disease before it develops.

Located at the sub-district level, community health centers, known as puskesmas, have long been the frontline of Indonesia's healthcare system.

Most people seek treatment there for symptoms such as fever or cough, but rarely visit when they feel healthy.

That mindset reflects a primary healthcare model historically centered on curative care rather than prevention.

Puskesmas guidelines were developed in the 1970s, when Indonesia's main health challenges were malnutrition, maternal and child health issues, and inf...