Deputy Health Minister Says Indonesia Has Second-Highest TB Cases Globally

Indonesia currently ranks as the country with the second-highest number of tuberculosis (TBC) cases globally, requiring massive measures to suppress transmission rates. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Health Benjamin Paulus Octavianus after attending a community health service event for the 80th Bhayangkara Day at the Tegal City Hall complex in Central Java on Tuesday (23/6).

The activity aligns with the government’s priority programmes for TB eradication and public health enhancement. Benjamin noted that Tegal City had recorded the highest TB case notification rate in Indonesia the previous year, demonstrating the local government’s active role in finding and treating cases, thereby supporting the nation’s goal of becoming TB-free in the coming years.

He also highlighted that the free health check-ups serve as a preventive measure for early detection of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to stroke, heart attacks, or kidney failure. “The main objective of the free health check-ups is to prevent people from falling ill. We want the public to be aware of their health condition early, so they remain healthy during their productive years and beyond the age of 60,” Benjamin explained.

Tegal Mayor Dedy Yon Supriyono expressed appreciation to the Central Java Regional Police and Tegal City Police for organising the event as a form of the police’s dedication to the community. He stressed that the health service programme reflects the humanistic side of the police force, providing direct benefits to residents. Dedy Yon also underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to achieve TB elimination by 2030, asserting that controlling TB cannot be accomplished by the health sector alone but requires synergy from all elements of society. A total of 1,000 Tegal City residents received various free health services during the event.