Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno officially unveiled the "Healthy Children's Teeth" (GAS) program on Monday (1/19) at the Bale Bermain Rubah public preschool in East Jakarta.

Joining forces with the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UI), this trailblazing pilot project is set to pave the way for a citywide rollout across all public schools in the capital.

He highlighted the program as a gold-standard investment in the city's future. By prioritizing proactive care, Jakarta aims to head off health problems before they arise.

"This initiative aligns seamlessly with our current health goals, paving the way for a holistic approach to child wellness alongside our existing free checkup services," he stated.

While many take it lightly, poor oral health in children is a ticking time bomb. Rano emphasized that it’s more than just a toothache; it takes a toll on a child's ability to eat and study, effectively holding them back from reaching their full potential.

Ultimately, neglecting these issues today will only up the ante for medical expenses and diminish their future quality of life.

Rano underscored the urgency of catching them young, stating that instilling dental hygiene habits early is the only way to ensure Jakarta’s children start on the right foot.

"The GAS program is just the opening salvo in our partnership with UI's Faculty of Dentistry. We’re getting the ball rolling here before expanding to every corner of the capital," he asserted.