High Maternal Mortality in Jember, 10 Deaths in Early 2026
In the first three months of 2026, the maternal mortality rate (AKI) in Jember Regency, East Java, presents a worrying situation. By the end of March, 10 cases of maternal deaths have been recorded.
This maternal mortality rate during childbirth is considered high and should be a serious concern for the local government.
The Head of Public Health at the Jember Health, Population Control, and Family Planning Office (Dinkes P2KB), Dr Gini Wuryandari, presented data on AKI up to March 2026.
“January: 3 cases, February: 5, and March: 2 cases,” Gini stated when met on Monday (30/3/2026).
It was explained that these maternal deaths occurred during the childbirth process, which took place at community health centres and mostly at hospitals.
Gini acknowledged that Jember is known as the area contributing the highest AKI in East Java.
“But compared to other regions, Jember’s population is high, reaching 2.6 million people,” she said.
Gini explained that most non-obstetric factors causing maternal deaths are comorbidities or accompanying diseases such as heart conditions and Tuberculosis (TB).
Meanwhile, the majority of obstetric factors are pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and leading to bleeding.
“High blood pressure during pregnancy, which can cause eclampsia or seizures during delivery. Pre-eclampsia is triggered by diet and the mother’s daily habits,” Gini clarified.
Compared to the cumulative data from 2025, the figure for the first quarter of 2026 is quite high. If left unchecked, AKI will continue to rise and certainly reflect poorly on the quality and accessibility of maternal and child healthcare services in Jember.
Furthermore, reducing AKI is one of the key targets for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 3, Good Health and Well-being, or promoting healthy and prosperous lives.
“The definite interventions involve community health centres and the sub-district head tasked with identifying high-risk pregnant women and stunted children,” she explained.
With this data, healthcare workers are providing direct assistance as an effort to prevent maternal deaths. Specialist obstetricians-gynaecologists and paediatricians are also involved in this programme.
It was explained that the movement of 1,200 healthcare workers has been underway since it was launched by Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait in January and is evaluated every month.