Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Health reaffirmed on Thursday that widespread measles-rubella (MR) immunization remains the most effective strategy to prevent measles outbreaks, as the nation responds to international alerts and addresses localized vulnerabilities in vaccination coverage.
The announcement, made during a virtual press conference, comes as health officials operate to bolster immunization rates and contain potential spread following notification from Australia regarding measles cases in travelers who had recently been in Indonesia. Plt. Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Andi Saguni, emphasized the critical importance of complete and equitable immunization coverage. “Measles prevention relies heavily on comprehensive and uniform immunization. When coverage is high and no areas are left behind, the chain of transmission can be broken,” Dr. Saguni stated.
The Ministry is implementing a three-pronged approach: strengthening routine immunization programs, conducting catch-up campaigns, and providing additional immunizations in areas with low coverage. According to data presented, 116 Extraordinary Events (KLB) of measles were confirmed by laboratory tests in 2025 across 89 regencies/cities in 16 provinces. Suspected cases totaled 63,769, with 11,094 laboratory confirmations and 69 fatalities, resulting in a fatality rate of 0.1 percent.
While national MR immunization rates have surpassed targets, officials acknowledge that localized pockets of low coverage continue to pose a risk. Dr. Mulya Rahma Karyanti, a consultant in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, stressed the demand to analyze immunization data at the most granular level. “Nationally, MR immunization coverage has exceeded the target, but measles cases can still occur if there are specific villages or regions with low coverage. These pockets are where prevention efforts must be focused,” she explained.
The Ministry is also intensifying efforts to address vaccine hesitancy, collaborating with local governments, religious leaders, and professional organizations to disseminate information about the importance of immunization. In 2026, as of the seventh week, 8,224 suspected measles cases have been reported, with 572 laboratory confirmations and four fatalities, yielding a fatality rate of 0.05 percent – a figure officials note is lower than that observed in some developed nations.
The Ministry of Health is also reinforcing public education campaigns promoting healthy hygiene practices and increasing public awareness of measles symptoms. Five provinces – East Java, Banten, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh – experienced the highest number of KLB cases in 2025. Current efforts are focused on areas experiencing outbreaks in 2025 and 2026 as part of a “crash program” to increase immunity.
Further information is available through the Ministry of Health’s hotline at 1500-567 or via email.