Measles Cases Rise, Legislator Calls for Strengthened Prevention Budget
Member of the House of Representatives Commission IX, Vita Ervina, emphasised that the increase in Extraordinary Events (KLB) of measles in various regions at the beginning of 2026 must serve as a serious evaluation momentum, including for the allocation of the national immunisation budget.
Based on data up to March 2026, measles cases show an increasing trend in several provinces, including Central Java. This condition is seen as inseparable from the ongoing gaps in immunisation coverage and limitations in field interventions.
“This measles KLB must not be viewed as an ordinary event. It is an alarm that our prevention system, including from the budget side, must be strengthened,” said Vita in a statement received on Wednesday (1/4).
She stressed that handling efforts are not sufficient to be merely reactive, but must be supported by budget policies that favour prevention.
“Immunisation is a long-term health investment. The state must dare to increase the immunisation budget allocation, not just focus on treatment when an outbreak has already occurred.”
According to her, the budget increase needs to be directed concretely to several aspects below:
“Do not let the budget exist only on paper, but not felt by the community. What we need is a budget that truly works in the field.”
Vita also encouraged strengthening the role of community health centres as the spearhead of the immunisation programme.
“Community health centres must be strengthened, both in terms of personnel, logistics, and budget support, so that they can reach the entire community without exception.”
As a region with an increasing case trend, Central Java is assessed to need more serious and targeted interventions.
“Regions with high case burdens must be prioritised. Budget increases must consider the real needs in areas like Central Java.”
She affirmed that children are the most vulnerable group that must receive maximum protection from the state.
“No child should fall ill just because we are late or not serious enough in prevention. This is about the nation’s future.”
As part of the House of Representatives’ oversight function, Vita assured that she will continue to push for strengthened policies, including budget allocations that are more supportive of public health.
“Health is a basic right of the people. The state must be present not only during crises, but from the prevention stage,” she stated.
The Ministry of Health stated that up to mid-March 2026, 13,046 suspects were recorded with 10,301 confirmed measles cases. In addition, there were 8 deaths due to measles.
The Riau Provincial Health Office recorded 1,303 measles suspects in Riau throughout 2026.
From January to March, there were 100 suspect cases and based on laboratory examination results from the West Java Provincial Public Health Laboratory, 30 people tested positive for measles.
Hermawan added that for individuals planning to travel to areas with measles cases, additional vaccination is highly recommended.
The Malang City Health Office ensured that 17 measles cases have been controlled. The catch-up immunisation programme successfully reduced transmission to zero inpatient patients in March 2026.
The Jember Regency Government held mass measles immunisation (ORI) in Bintoro to prevent transmission and achieve herd immunity targets amid the 2026 KLB threat.