Hashim Highlights Widespread Slum Areas in Indonesia, Tuberculosis Epidemic Accelerating

Jakarta — Hashim Djojohadikusumo, chair of the Housing Task Force, stated that many Indonesians still lack proper housing and that conditions in slum areas are fuelling the spread of tuberculosis (TB) among the population.

According to Hashim, Indonesia ranks second globally in TB disease prevalence, behind only India. He further noted that unhealthy residential areas are a major driver of stunting cases in the country.

“We already know that Indonesia is the second-worst country in the health sector, particularly for TB — do you understand? Only one country is worse than Indonesia, and that is India, in terms of prevalence,” Hashim said at the inauguration of vertical housing development at Manggarai Station in Jakarta on Monday (16 March 2026).

“Lung disease is caused by what? It is caused by TB — housing in close proximity in slum areas causes many of our children to contract TB,” Hashim explained.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed the widespread prevalence of TB through a free health screening programme that has been intensified.

“This free health check-up examination has been accessed by 72 million people who previously could not afford check-ups, and it turned out I heard from the Health Minister and Deputy Health Minister, both of whom stated that it is indeed true many of our children have TB. This is a catastrophe for the Indonesian nation,” he said.

According to Hashim, these environmental problems impede children’s growth and development, which also affects academic performance of students in schools.