Hashim Highlights Alarming Rise in Tuberculosis Among Indonesian Children: A National Disaster

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, chair of the Housing Task Force, has highlighted the alarming prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among children in Indonesia, describing it as a national disaster.

Djojohadikusumo stated that Indonesia ranks as the world’s second-worst country for health, particularly regarding TB, with only India performing worse. He made these remarks during the launch of the Housing Development Programme in support of the 3 Million Homes initiative at Manggarai Station in Jakarta on Monday, 16 March 2026.

“We are aware that Indonesia ranks as the second-worst nation in terms of healthcare, especially TB. Only one country performs worse than Indonesia, and that is India,” Djojohadikusumo said in his remarks.

The Housing Task Force chair attributed the TB epidemic partly to residential areas located in proximity to slums. “Housing situated near slums—the slums in India and the slums in Indonesia—is causing many of our children to contract TB,” he explained.

Djojohadikusumo noted that the prevalence of TB has been confirmed through a free health screening programme, which revealed high numbers of infected children.

“According to information I received from the Minister of Health and Deputy Minister of Health, both confirmed that indeed, many of our children and citizens are suffering from TB. This is a catastrophe for the Indonesian nation—TB and stunting,” he concluded.