Behind the 93% Drop in Measles Cases, DPR Member Exposes Serious Immunisation Issues

A member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Edy Wuryanto, has emphasised that the government’s reported 93 per cent reduction in measles cases must not lead to complacency among all parties. Earlier this year, 2,220 measles cases were reported. He assesses that this achievement must be viewed critically amid the decline in basic immunisation targets in recent years. Edy notes that the government’s handling of measles has shown responsiveness, particularly in improving reporting and catch-up immunisation. However, he stresses that fundamental issues remain unresolved. “This decline in cases does not necessarily reflect a safe condition. Instead, we must honestly acknowledge that our basic immunisation coverage has previously fallen short of targets. This is the root of the problem,” said Edy on Thursday (2/4). Edy explains that the spike in measles cases, which reached 2,220, is a consequence of the weakening immunisation system in recent years. One indicator is the suboptimal implementation of Measles-Rubella vaccinations. For instance, according to September 2022 data, the national coverage for Measles-Rubella vaccination during the National Children’s Immunisation Month (BIAN) was only 87.7 per cent. At that time, coverage outside Java-Bali did not reach 90 per cent anywhere. In Java-Bali, Central Java and West Java did not achieve 95 per cent. Indeed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination coverage plummeted. “The recent increase in measles incidence is due to negligence in implementing vaccination programmes that failed to meet targets. From 2019 to 2021, approximately 1.7 million infants did not receive complete immunisation. This clearly creates significant vulnerability in society,” he stated. The legislator from the Central Java III electoral district urges the central and regional governments to undertake comprehensive improvements, not merely relying on mass immunisation. Instead, they should also strengthen community-based prevention systems. Some recommended steps include accelerating the recovery of basic immunisation coverage, reinforcing the implementation of school-based immunisation (BIAS), and improving early detection at primary healthcare facilities. Additionally, public education to address doubts about vaccines.