Ministry of Health Monitors Measles Dynamics Nationally and Globally
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is monitoring the situation regarding measles nationally and globally. This measure is being taken to increase vigilance amid ongoing discovery of measles outbreaks (KLB) in several regions of Indonesia.
Based on national data, throughout 2025 there were 63,769 suspected measles cases, with 11,094 laboratory-confirmed cases and 69 deaths. Meanwhile, in 2026 through week seven, there were 8,224 suspected measles cases, 572 confirmed cases, and 4 deaths.
During this period, there occurred 21 suspected measles outbreaks and 13 laboratory-confirmed measles outbreaks distributed across 17 districts in 11 provinces.
The Acting Director General for Disease Prevention at Kemenkes, Dr Andi Saguni, emphasised that measles is a highly contagious disease requiring vigilance and rapid response. “Measles has a very high transmission rate. Therefore, every increase in cases must be responded to quickly through strong surveillance and timely reporting,” said Andi on Friday, 27 February.
He explained that the discovery of suspected measles cases in 2025 increased significantly by 147 per cent compared to 2024, making the strengthening of early warning systems a top priority. “We are continually strengthening measles surveillance nationally, including epidemiological investigation within a maximum of 24 hours after case discovery and real-time reporting through the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR),” he explained.
Increases in measles cases have also been reported across various regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, further increasing the risk of cross-border transmission. Indonesia also received notification under the International Health Regulations (IHR) regarding measles cases in foreign nationals from Australia who had travelled to and temporarily stayed in Indonesia. All such cases have been declared recovered, and cross-border coordination continues.
A consultant in infectious and tropical diseases for children at the Department of Child Health at Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Dr Mulya Rahma Karyanti, emphasised that the dynamics of measles cases are closely related to disparities in immunisation coverage at regional level. “Nationally, measles-rubella immunisation coverage has exceeded targets; however, cases continue to occur in certain provinces, districts, and even villages with low immunisation coverage. In these areas, the risk of measles outbreaks is higher,” said Dr Mulya.
Kemenkes affirmed that it will continue to increase national vigilance through strengthening surveillance, rapid outbreak response, and cross-sector collaboration with local governments to prevent the spread of measles in Indonesia.