Deputy Interior Minister Wiyagus Urges Regional Governments to Accelerate Tuberculosis Control
Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Akhmad Wiyagus has urged regional governments (Pemda) to accelerate tuberculosis (TB) control efforts, particularly in several West Java regions where case numbers remain high. This approach is being pursued through strengthened local planning and budgeting.
According to Wiyagus, TB control is part of compulsory government responsibilities directly linked to basic public health services, and therefore requires serious attention from regional governments.
“Tuberculosis is one disease that can be said to be endemic and must receive special attention,” Wiyagus stated during a press conference on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
He made these remarks during a meeting on strengthening commitment and concrete action to accelerate TB elimination at the Mohamad Toha Building in Soreang, Bandung District, West Java, on Tuesday (10 March).
He also emphasised the importance of transparent TB case data to enable more effective control strategies. In this regard, regional governments were asked not to hesitate in reporting the actual field conditions.
“We should not be embarrassed to expose the actual data, even if the numbers are large—this is precisely where we will determine the appropriate strategy for managing it,” he said.
Additionally, Wiyagus highlighted the importance of collaboration from district to village levels in accelerating TB control efforts. The roles of district heads, village heads, and community workers were identified as key to reaching communities directly.
He added that TB control must also address various risk factors, such as overcrowded housing, poor home ventilation, poverty, and inadequate sanitation conditions. Therefore, disease control efforts require cross-sectoral cooperation and support from various stakeholders.
Integrated TB control is expected to reduce case numbers whilst improving public health quality as part of strengthening national resources.
The event was also attended by Deputy Health Minister (Wamenkes) Benjamin Paulus Octavianus, Bandung District Deputy Regent Ali Syakieb, and other related officials.