Surabaya, Indonesia — Across the globe, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and chronic respiratory illnesses are quietly taking root in younger populations. Reversing this alarming trend requires more than traditional clinical warnings; it demands interactive, culturally resonant solutions that speak directly to today’s youth. Meeting this urgent global mandate, a collaborative force of Indonesian medical and educational researchers has successfully finalized a pioneering digital health tool aimed at transforming adolescent behavior.
Between September 8 and 11, 2026, researchers from Institut Kesehatan (IKES) Suaka Insan and Universitas Widya Gama Mahakam Samarinda convened at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) in Surabaya for a rigorous internal evaluation. Their shared mission: perfecting the “Cakram LAKU SEHAT” (Healthy Key Steps Disc), an innovative application designed to dramatically improve health literacy and drive positive behavioral shifts in teenagers to prevent NCDs.
The development of the LAKU SEHAT app comes at a critical juncture in global health. The World Health Organization has consistently warned that the behavioral patterns establishing the foundation for chronic illnesses—such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and substance use—frequently begin in adolescence. By digitizing preventive care, the Indonesian research team is effectively bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and everyday adolescent decision-making.
“Our primary challenge in modern healthcare is not a lack of medical data, but rather how we translate that data into sustained behavioral change for a younger generation,” notes the research initiative’s guiding vision. “The LAKU SEHAT application strips away intimidating medical jargon, replacing it with an accessible, interactive framework that empowers teenagers to take ownership of their long-term health.”
Funded under the prestigious Higher Education Partnership Research (PKP) scheme, the project represents a multidisciplinary triumph. The core development team is led by Principal Investigator Ermeisi Er Unja, S.Kep., Ners., M.Kep., alongside a specialized cadre of researchers. The team includes Maria Frani Ayu Andari Dias, S.Kep., Ners., MAN, whose background in psychosocial and psychiatric nursing ensures the app addresses the critical emotional and cognitive drivers of teen behavior; Uswatun Hasanah, M.K.M.; and Juliani Saputri, M.K.K.K., who also spearheads university partnerships for IKES Suaka Insan. Adding vital insight into educational frameworks and intellectual property is Dr. Hanita, S.Pd., M.Pd., from Universitas Widya Gama Mahakam Samarinda.
During the intensive four-day session in Surabaya, the team worked closely with esteemed UNAIR supervisors dr. Raden Argarini, M.Kes., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Purwo Sri Rejeki, dr., M.Kes. This high-level academic mentorship focused on pressure-testing the app’s methodology, finalizing its core features, and outlining a strategic roadmap for the upcoming stages of the study.
The successful internal evaluation marks a pivotal milestone. The LAKU SEHAT app has now moved past the conceptual phase into a stabilized, evidence-based intervention ready for broader deployment and academic scrutiny. The team is currently preparing their findings for high-impact international publication, ensuring that this local innovation can serve as a blueprint for adolescent health programs worldwide.
As healthcare systems globally look for sustainable, technology-driven ways to ease the burden of chronic diseases, collaborative digital interventions like LAKU SEHAT prove that the most effective medicine is empowering the next generation before they ever need a prescription [Unit publikasi-UPPM Ikes SI].
Discover more about our ongoing international research programs and upcoming community health initiatives by visiting the IKES Suaka Insan Research & Partnerships portal.
