Measles Outbreaks Across Several Regions, Health Minister Urges Parents to Complete Their Children’s Immunisations

Measles outbreaks have emerged in several regions, prompting the Health Minister to emphasise the importance of immunisation, as the disease can be fatal, particularly for children.

‘We have observed many cases at the start of this year, so we must press hard to suppress it quickly. If we do not, it will spread everywhere. Especially with Lebaran approaching,’ Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said after attending the signing of the Joint Decree on Child Mental Health in Jakarta, as reported on Friday (6 March 2026).

‘One of the most important instruments is immunisation,’ he added.

He reminded that the measles vaccine has long been used and proven effective at curbing the spread of the disease. Specifically, he highlighted the importance of parents protecting their children by providing measles immunisation.

Furthermore, there is a risk when a child under five contracts measles because it can be fatal.

‘Reluctance to immunise means the child is not protected. If they catch it, they spread it to others. So it should be remembered that immunisation is not only for the child themselves, but also for the school environment and their friends,’ he said.

Earlier, data from the Ministry of Health showed that the number of suspected measles cases in 2025 stood at 63,769 with 67 deaths. Meanwhile, the number of suspected measles cases in 2026 stood at 8,810 with 5 deaths.

The same data showed that around 67 percent of confirmed measles cases had no immunisation history.

In 2025, measles outbreaks were reported in 87 regencies/cities. Meanwhile, at the start of 2026, outbreaks occurred in 24 regencies/cities.

There are 10 regencies/cities that experienced measles outbreaks for two consecutive years, namely Medan City, Deli Serdang Regency, Padang City, Garut Regency, Sleman Regency, Jember Regency, Pamekasan Regency, Tangerang Regency, Tojo Una-Una Regency, and Makassar City.