Indonesia Targets Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030
Dengue fever remains a serious health challenge in Indonesia, which is currently the country with the highest case burden in Southeast Asia and second globally after Brazil. The government is now reinforcing preventive and predictive approaches to pursue the ambitious target of zero dengue-related deaths by 2030.
Acting Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni, stressed that dengue management can no longer be merely reactive. Climate change, environmental conditions, and high population mobility are key factors complicating disease control. "The management approach must be more preventive, predictive, and sustainable within an integrated national framework," he stated during the ASEAN Dengue Day media event in Jakarta.
Ministry data underscores the urgency. In 2025, Indonesia recorded 101,000 cases with over 600 deaths. From January to May 2026, there have already been 39,672 cases and 105 fatalities. West Java province bears the highest burden, with 9,526 cases and 36 deaths.
Director of Communicable Diseases, Prima Yosephine, explained that Indonesia contributes 3% of global dengue cases but 17% of worldwide deaths. The 15-44 age group accounts for the most infections, yet the highest mortality over the past seven years has been among children aged 5-14. "Children often do not complain when ill, but can suddenly enter shock syndrome. Rapid diagnosis and adequate fluid management are crucial," Prima noted.
As a concrete step, the Ministry of Health has drafted a National Action Plan for Dengue Control 2026-2029 encompassing four main strategies. At the local level, South Tangerang City has become a successful example in reducing fatalities, maintaining zero deaths since 2023 through its "One House, One Jumantik" programme and strengthened cross-sector cooperation.
The government is targeting a 25% reduction in cases compared to 2021 and aims to achieve zero deaths by 2030 through data integration, research, and continuous innovation. The Ministry hopes that strict surveillance across regions can suppress the case rate for the remainder of 2026 and strengthen the national health system’s preparedness for this seasonal threat.