South Jakarta Vaccinates Over 1,700 Animals Against Rabies

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The South Jakarta Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture (KPKP) Sub-agency reported that 1,767 rabies-transmitting animals (HPR) were vaccinated throughout April 2026, marking a significant push in the city's preventative healthcare strategy.

While the program spanned nine subdistricts, the sub-agency temporarily pivoted its focus in one specific area to address long-term population control. "One subdistrict, Kebayoran Baru, did not conduct rabies vaccinations because cat sterilization activities were being carried out at that location," explained Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Section of the South Jakarta KPKP Sub-agency, Irawati Harry Artharini, on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

This tactical shift underscores a dual-track approach to public safety, which is preventing the virus through inoculation while simultaneously managing the stray and domestic population to reduce potential transmission vectors.

The April data reveals a diverse range of animals reached by the mobile clinics. Of the total 1,767 animals vaccinated, the majority were cats at 1,587, followed by 150 dogs, 18 monkeys, and 12 civets.

Parallel to the vaccination drive, officials also performed sterilizations on 488 cats, including both pets and strays. Irawati noted that these procedures are vital to the city's health infrastructure.

"Sterilization is carried out to suppress the cat population, so that the potential spread of rabies can be prevented," she said, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond the clinical numbers, the initiative is designed to offer a safety net for residents, providing the services entirely free of charge. Irawati urged pet owners across South Jakarta to remain proactive and take advantage of the government’s resources.

"People should not hesitate to bring their pets to be vaccinated. In addition to maintaining the health of the animal, this is also important to protect the health of the owner," she remarked.

As the program moves into its next phase, the sub-agency is encouraging citizens to stay informed via official social media channels for upcoming schedules. With accessible requirements and ample quotas, the city aims to maintain a high level of community participation to ensure that Jakarta's rabies-free designation remains a permanent fixture of the capital’s public health record. ***