Measles, a Contagious Disease, Can Cause Complications; Immunisation Is Key to Prevention.
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) warns that measles is a highly contagious disease. Measles can also lead to complications and, in severe cases, death if not detected early. Aji Muhawarman, Head of the Public Communications and Information Bureau at the Ministry of Health, in Jakarta on Wednesday (4 March) said that high and evenly distributed immunisation coverage across regions is key to breaking the chain of transmission.
According to Aji, misinformation about measles vaccines has fuelled immunisation resistance. He noted that misinformation about immunisation circulates widely on social media.
Lower immunisation coverage, he continued, has had a significant impact on rising measles cases recently.
The Ministry of Health notes that in 2025, a measles outbreak (KLB) was reported in 87 regencies/cities. In 2026, KLB measles occurred in 24 regencies/cities. Ten regencies/cities experienced KLB for two consecutive years: Medan City, Deli Serdang Regency, Padang City, Garut Regency, Sleman Regency, Jember Regency, Pamekasan Regency, Tangerang Regency, Tojo Una-Una Regency, and Makassar City.
Therefore, the Ministry is stepping up education and countering misinformation to raise measles immunisation coverage. It is also implementing Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI) and a Catch-Up Immunisation campaign to close gaps in measles immunisation.
“Immunisation to tackle KLB operates via two main mechanisms: ORI and Catch-Up Immunisation (Catch-Up Campaign),” he said.
To combat misinformation about measles immunisation, Aji said the Ministry is coordinating with religious organisations and the Ministry of Home Affairs to secure support for measles vaccination.
Aji urged parents to visit health facilities promptly if their child shows symptoms of measles. Early detection significantly affects transmission.
The public, he added, can help prevent the spread of measles by reporting and seeking medical assessment for children with fever and rash. Children can also receive measles immunisation at posyandu or local health facilities.
The Ministry of Health reports 8,224 suspected measles cases up to March 2026. See the distribution of KLB areas and the schedule for additional MR immunisation for PAUD/TK children here.
The Ministry of Health emphasises that measles–rubella (MR) immunisation is the most effective measure to prevent measles transmission.
Indonesia strengthens immunisation and surveillance following two Australian nationals testing positive for measles after travel from Jakarta and Bandung. Check details of the case and the Ministry’s response here.
With vaccination, children can be protected from several serious complications including prolonged diarrhoea, severe respiratory problems and brain inflammation.
The West Jakarta Health Office followed up on the discovery of 38 suspected measles cases classified as an extraordinary event (KLB) with tracing and immunisation.
The Ministry reports 8,224 suspected measles cases by March 2026. See the distribution of KLB areas and the schedule for additional MR immunisation for PAUD/TK children here.