Frequently asked questions
Short answers about the publication, how we handle health information and how to use it alongside professional care. Not found what you need? Write to the editors.
About Zandrel
Is Zandrel a medical service?
No. Zandrel is an independent editorial publication. We do not diagnose, prescribe or provide treatment, and we do not sell health products or services.
Who pays for Zandrel?
The publication is funded by its owners. It currently carries no sponsored content and no product advertising. See the advertising disclosure for details.
Why is the site in English?
Many readers in Jakarta and other cities read health material in English at work and at university. We use plain wording and include Indonesian terms in brackets where they help.
Why men aged 30 and above?
Risks such as raised blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tend to develop quietly from the early thirties. Men also attend routine check-ups less often than women on average, so accessible background information can help.
How articles are made
Who reviews the articles?
Independent medical professionals review each article in their field before publication. Names, qualifications and review dates are listed on the editorial team page and on each article.
Which sources do you rely on?
Mainly the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, professional societies and systematic reviews. The full order is described on our approach page.
How often are articles updated?
Each article is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when a guideline changes. The publication date and the last review date are shown at the top of each article.
I found an error. What should I do?
Please use the contact form and choose “Report a correction”. Name the article and passage, and include a source if you can. Confirmed corrections are noted at the end of the article.
Do you recommend specific supplements, brands or clinics?
No. We describe what research says about categories of products and approaches, including limits and risks, but we do not endorse brands or clinics.
Health and care questions
Can I use the articles to diagnose myself?
No. Reference values and symptom lists are provided for understanding only. A diagnosis needs an examination, your history and sometimes repeat tests by a doctor.
Where can I get a basic check-up in Indonesia?
Community health centres (puskesmas), neighbourhood Posbindu PTM posts, clinics and hospitals offer basic checks. JKN members register at a first-level facility. See our check-up article.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 119, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (IGD). Warning signs such as chest pain, sudden weakness on one side or thoughts of self-harm should not wait for an appointment.
How can I tell if a health product is registered?
In Indonesia, registered products carry a BPOM number that can be checked on the agency's website or app. Registration shows a product has been reviewed for safety and quality; it does not show that a specific claim is true. Links are in our reading list.
Will you answer my personal health question?
We cannot give personal medical advice. We can point you to the relevant article or public source, or consider your question as a topic for a future article.
Privacy and the website
What do you do with the details I send through the contact form?
We use them only to reply to your message. Retention periods and your rights are set out in the privacy policy.
Which cookies does the site use?
At present the site stores a single preference item in your browser to remember your cookie choice. The cookie policy lists everything and will be updated if that changes.
Is the website accessible?
We aim to meet WCAG 2.1 level AA. If you meet a barrier, please tell us through the details on the accessibility statement.
Ask the editors directly
If a question is not covered here, send it to us. Many of our articles began as reader questions.