Anticipating Hantavirus, DPR's Commission IX Urges Intensified Surveillance and Public Awareness
The Health Service (Dinkes) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has confirmed that a resident from Kulon Progo suspected of being exposed to hantavirus has tested negative. Nevertheless, the DPR’s Commission IX has urged the government to bolster surveillance to prevent any potential transmission of the virus.
“Regarding the information on the suspected hantavirus case in DIY, which has since been confirmed negative by the Health Service, we certainly appreciate the swift and transparent actions taken by Dinkes DIY in conducting the examination and verifying the situation,” said Deputy Chairman of Commission IX from the PDIP Faction, Charles Honoris, to reporters on Monday (11/5/2026).
“Even though the result is negative, this incident remains an important reminder that strengthening surveillance for infectious diseases must continue,” he added.
Charles emphasised that the government needs to ensure that the surveillance system operates effectively down to the local level, including the readiness of health facilities, laboratories, as well as early detection and rapid reporting mechanisms. He also encouraged strengthening coordination between the government and health authorities in other countries.
“In addition, the government also needs to continue strengthening communication and coordination with health authorities in various countries and international health institutions to monitor the development and spread of this virus globally. Such steps are important so that Indonesia can anticipate it earlier and prepare an appropriate public health response,” he said.
Charles also advised the public to remain calm and not to be easily influenced by unverified information.
“Follow official information from the government and health authorities,” he concluded.
On the other hand, a member of Commission IX from the NasDem Faction, Irma Suryani Chaniago, urged the government to conduct direct outreach to the public in anticipating the risk of hantavirus transmission.
“The Ministry of Health is already on track in providing information to the public through Germas socialisation, but it must also be done by going directly because not all people have adequate gadgets, and there are still many areas that are blank spots,” said Irma to reporters on Monday (11/5/2026).
This NasDem DPP Chairman referred to data from the Ministry of Health stating that 17 hantavirus cases were found in Indonesia in 2025 and five cases in 2026. She asked the public to remain vigilant even though the number of cases found is still relatively low.
“Although there are findings, the risk of widespread transmission to the public is assessed as relatively low by IDAI, but vigilance is still necessary,” she said.
Suspect in Kulon Progo Tests Negative
The Health Service of Kulon Progo Regency, DIY, previously revealed the results of the suspected hantavirus case suffered by a resident in the area. The Health Service conveyed that the laboratory results from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) of the Republic of Indonesia stated negative.
“In 2026, there is indeed a hantavirus suspect, but the results came out two days ago and they are negative,” said the Head of the Kulon Progo Health Service, Susilaningsih, as quoted by Antara on Sunday (10/5).
According to her, one resident of Kulon Progo, who was previously suspected of having hantavirus, has undergone laboratory examination by Kemenkes and has been clarified by the Kulon Progo Regency Health Service and the DIY Provincial Health Service.
“Yes, (the result is) negative. This information is from Kemenkes; the DIY Health Service has clarified it to the centre. So, in Kulon Progo, there is no positive hantavirus case in humans,” said Susilaningsih.
Although the result is negative, residents in Kulon Progo Regency are still urged to increase vigilance against the potential risk of transmission of this zoonotic disease, particularly towards rats which are the vectors for hantavirus transmission.