Health Minister Acknowledges Surge in Influenza Cases in Indonesia

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has noted an increase in influenza activity in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region. However, the Ministry stated that the situation is not yet alarming, referring to surveillance results up to the 38th week of 2026.

Based on that data, the increase in influenza remains within a medium range. “There is indeed an increase in influenza cases, particularly in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. But based on the surveillance data we have, the condition is still within the medium range,” said Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (29/09/2026).

In Indonesia, sentinel surveillance results showed an influenza positivity rate of 56 per cent in the 38th week. In community health centre (puskesmas) surveillance, influenza activity has reached the medium category, while hospital surveillance remains in the low category.

According to Budi, the increase in influenza cases must be responded to by strengthening surveillance and preparedness. “Therefore, what we are doing is increasing surveillance and preparedness so that the development of cases can continue to be monitored,” he said.

According to Ministry of Health data, the increase in influenza activity during the August-September 2026 period is also consistent with the seasonal patterns previously observed in Indonesia. In the 38th week of 2026, out of 265 specimens examined through sentinel surveillance, 148 specimens tested positive for influenza. The dominant virus is Influenza A (H1N1pdm09).