Health Ministry: Constitutional Court Ruling Strengthens Steps to Protect Public from Outbreaks

The Ministry of Health stated that the Constitutional Court’s rejection of the judicial review of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, regarding articles on extraordinary events (KLB) and epidemics, strengthens the government’s efforts to protect public health in a measured and lawful manner. “The Ministry of Health views the Constitutional Court’s ruling as confirmation that the provisions in the Health Law are in accordance with constitutional corridors, while prioritising public health protection, legal certainty, and the state’s responsibility in facing widespread health and safety threats,” said Head of the Ministry of Health’s Communication and Public Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman. Aji stated that his party respects the Constitutional Court’s decision on case Number 172/PUU-XXIV/2026 regarding the material review of Law Number 17 of 2023 on Health, in which the Court rejected all requests for review submitted by the petitioner, Dharma Pongrekun. The petitioner had requested a review of several articles concerning the management of extraordinary events and epidemics, including provisions on early warning systems, reporting obligations, and law enforcement in epidemic management. “The obligation to comply with and not obstruct efforts to manage extraordinary events and epidemics is part of the state’s responsibility to protect public health, the effectiveness of which depends on public compliance,” Aji said. “Managing extraordinary events and epidemics requires a rapid, coordinated, and evidence-based response. The Constitutional Court’s ruling confirms that the government’s steps to protect the public have a clear legal basis and remain within constitutional corridors,” he added. Aji further stated that the Ministry of Health will continue to ensure that all policies for managing extraordinary events and epidemics are carried out professionally, transparently, and accountably by involving experts, medical personnel, academics, and relevant stakeholders. “We also ensure that space for public participation remains open. Public criticism and input are an important part of strengthening national health policy,” he said. In addition, the Ministry of Health emphasised the importance of public participation in the early warning system through health condition reporting mechanisms that could potentially develop into public health threats. This is considered part of rapid detection and early response efforts to protect the wider community.