ABCD Land: Initiative to Reduce the Rp9 Trillion Economic Burden of Dengue
As the ASEAN Dengue Day approaches, PT Takeda Innovative Medicines has reinforced its commitment to fighting dengue fever by launching a public education activation titled ‘ABCD Land – Ayo Bersama Cegah DBD!’. The event, held on 20-21 June 2026 at Urban Forest, Jakarta, comes at a critical time amid rising risks of virus transmission due to the El Niño climate phenomenon. This initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Langkah Bersama Cegah DBD’ campaign, which Takeda has run since 2023 in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Health, professional organisations, and various health communities.
The urgency of dengue prevention has intensified this year, driven by predictions of extreme weather. The probability of El Niño developing between June and August 2026 has reached 80 percent, potentially accelerating the life cycle of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Beyond the health threat, dengue imposes a staggering financial burden on the country and its citizens. Recent scientific studies from Universitas Gadjah Mada detail the economic impact, which totals approximately Rp9 trillion.
Data is dispelling the myth that dengue only affects children. While the 5-14 age group accounted for the highest mortality rate at 41 percent in 2025, the productive age group of 15-44 years now dominates infection cases at 42 percent. Dr. Sukamto Koesnoe, Chair of the Adult Immunisation Task Force at PAPDI, highlighted that the risk of severe complications multiplies significantly in individuals with comorbidities.
Dr. Prima Yosephine, Director of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, stated that the government is strengthening the National Strategy for Dengue Control 2021-2025. “These efforts encompass education, the 3M Plus approach, and the utilisation of innovations such as vaccination. Collaboration between the private sector and the community is absolutely key,” she said. Echoing this, Drg. Ani Ruspitawati, Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, revealed that Jakarta had recorded 5,700 dengue cases by mid-June 2026, demanding heightened vigilance, particularly in densely populated areas.
Andreas Gutknecht, President Director of PT Takeda Innovative Medicines, emphasised that the average number of dengue cases over the past five years has nearly tripled compared to two decades ago. “We are committed to expanding access to innovative protection and education so that Indonesian families can take the right preventive steps before it is too late,” he asserted.