Indonesia Strengthens Measles Surveillance and Immunization Efforts Following International Alert

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is intensifying measures to strengthen measles surveillance, enhance early detection, and expand immunization coverage following notification from the Australian Health Authority regarding confirmed measles cases in recent travelers from Indonesia. While officials state there is currently no national measles outbreak, proactive steps are being taken to mitigate potential spread.

Recent Cases and Government Response

The Australian Health Authority reported two confirmed measles cases involving individuals who recently traveled from Jakarta. The first case involved an 18-year-old woman who traveled to Perth between February 7-8, 2026, and the second case involved a 6-year-old girl who traveled to Sydney on February 17, 2026. Both cases were confirmed through PCR testing after patients presented with fever and a characteristic rash.

Acting Disease Control Director General, dr. Andi Saguni, announced on February 22, 2026, that the government is responding with immediate strategic mitigation measures. These include strengthening measles surveillance nationwide and intensifying additional measles immunization, particularly for school-age children in areas with the highest caseloads during 2025-2026 Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia.

Healthcare Facility Preparedness and Public Health Recommendations

Kemenkes is also alerting healthcare facilities, including hospitals, to anticipate and prepare for potential cases with complications. The Ministry is urging parents to proactively:

• Complete children’s measles immunization according to the national schedule.
• Adopt a clean and healthy lifestyle to bolster immunity.
• Report any symptoms of fever and rash immediately to a healthcare facility, while limiting contact with others to prevent transmission.

Dr. Andi emphasized the importance of continued communication, information, and education, encouraging the public to adopt preventative behaviors such as wearing masks, practicing proper cough etiquette, and consuming a balanced, nutritious diet. Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia.

Measles Case Data and Outbreak Status

According to Kemenkes data, 11,094 confirmed measles cases were recorded throughout 2025. As of February 2026, 550 cases have already been reported. Despite these figures, Dr. Andi affirmed that the situation does not currently constitute a national measles outbreak. Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia.

Focus on Supplemental Immunization

The government is increasing the implementation of supplemental measles immunizations, specifically targeting school-age children in regions that experienced outbreaks in 2025 and 2026. Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia.

About the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes)

The Ministry of Health (Kementerian Kesehatan) is the Indonesian government body responsible for organizing public health affairs within the country. It formulates and implements national health policies, sets standards for local health sectors, and trains healthcare personnel. Ministry of Health (Indonesia) – Wikipedia