426 Measles Cases, Palu City Enters National Extraordinary Event Zone
Palu City, Central Sulawesi, has entered the top 10 regions with the highest number of extraordinary measles events (KLB) in Indonesia. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, 426 measles cases have been recorded in the area.
The Head of the Palu City Health Office, Rochmat Jasin Moenawar, stated that Palu ranks 10th out of around 30 regencies and cities categorised under national measles KLB.
“Based on the letter from the Ministry, Palu City has been declared to be in an extraordinary measles event,” he said on Tuesday (7/4).
In response to the situation, the Palu City Government has acted swiftly with various handling measures. One of them is the implementation of Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI), which began on 1 April 2026.
“We have been carrying out ORI since 1 April,” said Rochmat.
The ORI programme targets around 23,000 toddlers aged 9 to 59 months spread across eight sub-districts in Palu City. They are the focus of immunisation to suppress the spread of measles.
According to Rochmat, this step aims to increase herd immunity in the community.
“The goal is to enhance herd immunity, so that community immunity against measles can be formed,” he explained.
He also urged the public not to panic, but to maintain vigilance. Experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic are hoped to serve as lessons in facing infectious disease outbreaks.
“We do not need to be afraid, but we must remain alert,” he emphasised.
In addition, the public is asked to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as consuming nutritious food, ensuring children get enough rest, and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene.
“Get into the habit of washing hands, maintaining cleanliness, and applying clean and healthy living behaviours (PHBS),” he added.
The government also emphasises the importance of the active role of the community in preventing the spread of diseases, not only measles but also other infectious diseases.
“The role of the community is very important. The government facilitates and provides education, but active community participation is the main key,” Rochmat concluded.
The Palu City Government targets 32,935 toddlers to receive measles immunisation to prevent extraordinary events and strengthen children’s immunity.