Measles Cases Claimed to be Declining Despite Remaining a Public Health Concern
The Ministry of Health has stated that measles cases in Indonesia have declined to 511 cases as of week nine of 2026, down from the previous 531 cases. This reduction is attributed to widespread immunisation campaigns and health education initiatives on clean and healthy living implemented across various regions.
“This shows a decline. Immunisation responses have been implemented for all districts and cities experiencing disease outbreaks. For areas not experiencing outbreaks but with rising case numbers at the time, catch-up immunisation campaigns have also been conducted,” said Acting Director-General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni.
Saguni emphasised the dangerous transmissibility of measles, as one infected person can transmit the disease to 12 to 18 other individuals, particularly young children, though some cases do occur in adults.
“Measles immunisation requires two doses. The first is administered at nine months of age and the second at 18 months. When only one dose is given at nine months, protection coverage reaches approximately 80 per cent. However, when the second dose is administered at 18 months, this increases to 97 per cent,” Saguni explained.
To prevent transmission, the ministry is collaborating with district and city health offices and quarantine health centres at various homecoming checkpoints to provide measles immunisation services, alongside offering free health checks.
He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s health conditions before travelling during the Eid al-Fitr season.
“If there is fever, cough, runny nose, or other signs such as conjunctivitis that may indicate measles, seek medical examination immediately,” he advised.
He recommended that travel be postponed until the child recovers, given measles’ high transmission rate.
Previously, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that the government aims to achieve 95 per cent measles immunisation coverage within one to two weeks before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah in 2026.
“One week has already passed. The penetration results look good. I don’t have the exact figures yet, but we are pushing to achieve this before Eid if possible,” he said.
Budi noted that immunisation has been implemented in 50 districts and cities. He explained the rationale for achieving targets before Eid is that mass movement during homecoming periods creates significant disease transmission risks.
According to Ministry of Health data through week eight of 2026, there were 10,453 suspected measles cases, with 8,372 confirmed cases and six deaths recorded.
The government is accelerating measles-rubella (MR) immunisation campaigns across various regions in preparation for the homecoming period and Eid al-Fitr holidays. The Ministry of Health has prepared measles vaccination services at homecoming checkpoints for Eid al-Fitr 2026, particularly at airports and ports.
Paediatrician Leonirma Tengguna reminded the public to exercise caution when interacting with children during Eid al-Fitr family visits.
The public has been urged to increase vigilance against measles during Eid al-Fitr gatherings.
Measles outbreaks have been reported in at least 73 cities across Indonesia, with case numbers continuing to increase. Parents have been advised to remain alert.
Acting Director-General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Andi Saguni, urged the public not to touch infants indiscriminately to prevent measles transmission.