Health Ministry Intensifies Immunisation Drive as Measles Cases Reach 8,716
Data from the Ministry of Health revealed that as of week 9 in 2026, Indonesia has recorded 8,716 confirmed measles cases with 10,826 suspected cases. The government has intensified immunisation efforts across various regions as a follow-up prevention measure.
Acting Director-General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni, confirmed on Saturday, 14 March 2026, that approximately 500 new cases were recorded in week 9. By week 8 of 2026, there were 10,453 suspected measles cases with 8,372 confirmed cases and 6 deaths, whilst week 7 recorded 8,224 suspected cases, 572 confirmed cases, and 4 deaths.
Previously, on Friday, 13 March 2026, Andi stated that the reduction in the increase of suspected and confirmed cases in week 9 was due to intensive immunisation campaigns and public education on clean and healthy living practices. He noted that there were 45 measles outbreaks in 29 districts and cities across 11 provinces: North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Central Sulawesi.
“The weekly trend of measles cases and laboratory confirmations in the 11 outbreak-affected provinces in 2026 shows mostly declining cases, except for West Nusa Tenggara Province (Bima District and Bima City), which continues to show high case numbers,” he said.
The 10 districts and cities with the highest number of suspected and confirmed cases in 2026 include South Tangerang, Bima, Tangerang, Depok, Central Jakarta, Palembang, and Padang.
According to data as of 12 March 2026, 22 districts and cities experiencing measles outbreaks have conducted Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI) MR targeting children aged 9-59 months. The highest coverage was achieved in Pamekasan at 47.93 per cent, followed by Jember at 38.64 per cent and Bima at 22.73 per cent.
As of 12 March 2026, five districts and cities with the highest measles cases conducted Catch-up Immunisation (CuC) or concurrent measles-rubella immunisation campaigns. Coverage rates were: West Jakarta 56.4 per cent, Central Jakarta 80.4 per cent, Depok 17.3 per cent, South Tangerang 8.4 per cent, and Palu 5.6 per cent.
“Fifty-one health quarantine technical units are supporting MR immunisation services in coordination with local health offices,” Andi said.
He emphasised that measles immunisation is essential for providing immunity and protection against the disease. Parental vigilance is necessary to check immunisation status in infants, which should be administered at 9 and 18 months of age.
“Check body temperature and skin condition, observe for symptoms such as cough, runny nose or red eyes. If any of these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical care and it is advisable to postpone travel as this will spread the disease to others,” he said.
He warned that measles is highly contagious, with a single patient capable of transmitting the disease to 12-18 people.