RRI.CO.ID, Kulon Progo - Deputy Minister of Health, Benyamin Paulus Octavianus said that the Indonesian government prioritizes the health sector as one of the main pillars of national development. The government's main focus is currently strengthening national nutrition and accelerating the elimination of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB).

Indonesia currently ranks second in the world for TB cases, behind only India. "In terms of the ratio, our rate is higher than India's. Our ratio is 386 cases per 100,000 people, while India's is 190. This is a major challenge that must be addressed across sectors," he said during his visit to Kulon Progo Regency on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

TB management cannot be handled solely by the Ministry of Health. Collaboration with other ministries is required, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Housing.

This collaboration will focus on improving sanitation and renovating uninhabitable homes. Because the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, prefer damp and dark environments.

"TB bacteria can survive for a long time in damp places but die when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is important to ensure that people's homes have adequate ventilation and lighting. This is key to prevention," he said.

Benyamin explained that tuberculosis is often underestimated because its symptoms develop slowly. However, vigilance is still required for this disease. Affected communities need to understand the importance of adhering to a six-month treatment plan to achieve a full recovery and prevent drug resistance.

Benyamin also highlighted the government's strategic move to establish the National Nutrition Agency to combat stunting and malnutrition in Indonesia. "Currently, there are more than 20,000 Nutrition Service Units (SPG). Our main goal is to ensure that around 60 million children, toddlers, and pregnant women receive regular, nutritious meals."

The Free nutritious meals (MBG) program is expected to improve physical health and increase the intelligence of future generations. The Kulon Progo Regency Health Agency is urging the public to be more vigilant about the potential surge in infectious tuberculosis diseases caused by recent extreme weather changes.

Susilaningsih, head of the Kulon Progo Health Agency, said that, based on the latest monitoring data, there is an increasing trend of cases of certain diseases that require early intervention by the community at the village and subdistrict levels.

These diseases include dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can increase during unpredictable rainy weather. Therefore, the public is asked to reactivate their independent mosquito nest eradication campaign at home. In addition to DHF, diseases such as diarrhea and leptospirosis require vigilance, especially in areas prone to flooding.

As a precaution, the Health Agency has instructed all community health centers (Puskesmas) in Kulon Progo to be on alert. "We have asked all health workers and field cadres to increase community-based surveillance. We will evaluate incoming data daily so that we can implement handling measures quickly and appropriately," she said.

Medical supplies and medicines at primary healthcare facilities are guaranteed to be sufficient for residents' needs. The Health Agency expressed hope to increase synergy between the administration and the community to prevent the spread of disease in the Kulon Progo region. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)