Support Eye Health in Indonesia, BCA Holds Free Cataract Surgery in Kapuas Regency

Kapuas, 9 July 2025 - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) once again held a free cataract surgery program as part of its ongoing commitment to reduce the prevalence of cataract-induced blindness in Indonesia. This initiative was conducted over the course of two days at the Vision Center Eye Clinic in Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, on Friday (4/7) and Saturday (5/7). In collaboration with the Cataract Blindness Prevention Section of the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (SPBK PERDAMI), BCA provided treatment for 191 eyes of local residents in Kapuas Regency.

The opening ceremony of BCA's cataract surgery social initiative in Kapuas Regency was attended by Kapuas Regent M. Wiyatno, Head of BCA Palangkaraya Main Branch Office Sulihin, Director of the Vision Center Eye Clinic Kapuas M. Dio Syaputra, and Central Board Member of SPBK PERDAMI Dyana Theresia Watania.

BCA Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility EVP Hera F. Haryn stated, “Cataracts have been identified as one of the primary causes of visual impairment, though they are manageable through appropriate medical intervention. Unfortunately, unequal access to healthcare services still poses challenges for many people in obtaining the treatment they need. Through the Bakti Kesehatan program, BCA is committed to providing concrete solutions by offering free cataract surgeries in collaboration with SPBK PERDAMI. We hope this program not only helps restore the vision of its beneficiaries but also empowers them to return to being active, independent individuals who contribute positively to their families and communities.”

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Kapuas Regency in Central Kalimantan holds significant potential in the agricultural sector, which serves as the primary source of livelihood for the majority of its residents. Agricultural activities require optimal physical condition, including good visual acuity. The high level of sunlight exposure in this region is a contributing factor that may increase the risk of cataracts among the local population. This initiative aims to provide tangible benefits to the people of Kapuas by offering free cataract surgeries, enabling them to resume their daily lives and support the local agricultural sector.

BCA has collaborated with SPBK PERDAMI to organize the Bakti Sosial Operasi Katarak (Cataract Social Service Program) since 2001. In May 2025, BCA performed its inaugural cataract operation of the year in East Halmahera, successfully treating 114 eyes. To date, this program has benefited 9,446 patients across various regions in Indonesia. During 2024, complimentary cataract surgeries were performed under the Bakti BCA program in seven different locations: The regions include Namrole (Maluku), Pasangkayu (West Sulawesi), Central Bengkulu (Bengkulu), Banjar City (West Java), Central Maluku (Maluku), West Manggarai (East Nusa Tenggara), and Cianjur (West Java). In addition to performing surgeries, BCA actively supports SPBK PERDAMI by providing medical equipment to facilitate operations in the field.

Central Board Member of SPBK PERDAMI dr. Dyana Theresia Watania stated, “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with BCA to provide free cataract surgery. It is a profoundly meaningful moment for us to witness patients regain their sight, as it signifies a return to independence and productivity. This collaboration is about more than medical procedures, it is also about restoring hope and improving quality of life. We are committed to continuing this partnership and reaching more underserved regions across Indonesia.”

As additional information, through Bakti BCA, BCA continues to empower individuals to live healthier lives by providing quality healthcare access to underprivileged communities. This commitment is believed to help foster independent, healthy individuals capable of advancing their communities and supporting sustainable development. Bakti BCA has launched several health-focused initiatives, including medical assistance through Bakti BCA-supported clinics, the "Bakti Sehat untuk Balita" (Health for Toddlers) program, "Stunting Prevention Education for Adolescents," and regular blood donation drives. BCA has established a partnership with the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) and other organizations in the PASTI (Partnership to Accelerate Stunting Reduction in Indonesia) program. This collaboration aims to enhance public health through initiatives such as stunting prevention education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Picture Information 1:

Reducing Cataract Prevalence, BCA Holds Free Cataract Surgery Social Program in Kapuas Regency - Kapuas Regent M. Wiyatno (fourth from left), Head of BCA Palangkaraya Main Branch Office Sulihin (center), Director of Vision Center Eye Clinic Kapuas M. Dio Syaputra (third from right), and Central Board Member of SPBK PERDAMI Dyana Theresia Watania (fourth from right) pose for a group photo during the Bakti Sosial Operasi Katarak (Cataract Surgery Social Program) held at Vision Center Eye Clinic, Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, on Friday (4/7). BCA hopes that this program not only restores the vision of its beneficiaries but also encourages them to return to active, independent lives and contribute positively to their families and communities.

Picture Information 2:

BCA’s Cataract Surgery Social Program Reaches 191 Eyes in Kapuas - Since 2001, BCA has collaborated with SPBK PERDAMI to organize free cataract surgery initiatives. This time, the program successfully reached 191 residents in Kapuas Regency. BCA and SPBK PERDAMI remain committed to continuing this collaboration in order to reach more underserved areas across Indonesia.

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