Depok-Limited access to healthcare remains a challenge in several regions in Indonesia, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Residents of Katulampa—located in East Bogor District, Bogor City, West Java—are one such area. According to data from the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), throughout 2024, there were 1,149 families with elderly residents out of a total of 4,309 households. This means there are more than a thousand elderly individuals requiring special attention for healthcare services.
To address this challenge, the Universitas Indonesia (UI), through its Vocational Education Program, is providing free medical and therapy services to senior citizens in Katulampa. The service and community service, titled “Healthy Together, Happy Together: A Real Manifestation of Community-Based Occupational Therapy,” is a form of community service.
(Photo: One of the checkups carried out by UI lecturers and students during community service activities)
At an event held at Zafirah Vocational School in Katulampa Village, East Bogor, at the end of June, 1,270 residents received health services, including general health and dental checkups, eye exams and the distribution of reading glasses for the elderly, acupuncture and qigong therapy, and traditional therapies such as dalong and toksen. Residents also received free haircuts as part of their self-care program.
The Head of the UI Vocational Occupational Therapy Study Program, Hermito Gidion, A.Md.OT., S.Psi., M.Psi.T., explained that this activity is a concrete manifestation of a community-based occupational therapy approach. According to him, this approach is carried out directly in residents’ residential environments, not in hospitals or clinics, with the goal of encouraging individuals to achieve independence and improve their quality of life through meaningful activities.
“We not only provide services, but also educate the public about the importance of maintaining overall health, especially for the elderly,” said Hermito.
(Photo: Free basic health check-ups for Katulampa residents)
To implement this program, UI Vocational is collaborating with the Setia Bakti Lestari Foundation, the Bogor City Government, and the Zafirah Foundation. This collaboration demonstrates the synergy between education, local government, and social organizations in addressing community health needs and serves as an example of cross-sectoral service based on occupational therapy.
One of the beneficiaries, Puspitasari, expressed her appreciation to UI and all parties involved in this activity. “I am very pleased with the free health check-ups. The service is comprehensive, friendly, and free of charge. I hope activities like this can continue, especially for residents with limited access to healthcare,” she said.
