RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Health Ministry has reported a rise in measles cases nationwide and urged heightened vigilance following several outbreaks across several regions.

During a virtual press conference on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the ministry presented the latest national and global measles situation to increase public awareness as outbreaks continue to be detected in parts of Indonesia.

National data show that throughout 2025, Indonesia recorded 63,769 suspected measles cases, with 11,094 laboratory-confirmed cases and 69 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 0.1 percent. As of the seventh week of 2026, authorities recorded 8,224 suspected cases, 572 confirmed cases, and four deaths, with a case fatality rate of 0.05 percent.

During that period, authorities identified 21 suspected measles outbreaks and 13 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks across 17 regencies and cities in 11 provinces.

Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control dr. Andi Saguni said measles is highly contagious and requires vigilance and a 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,” Andi said.

He added that suspected measles cases in 2025 increased by 147 percent compared with 2024, making the strengthening of the early warning system a priority.

“We continue to strengthen national measles surveillance, including epidemiological investigations within a maximum of 24 hours after a case is detected and real-time reporting through the Early Warning Alert and Response System (SKDR),” he said.

The ministry also reported an increase in measles cases in several regions globally, including Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, heightening the risk of cross-border transmission.

Indonesia received an International Health Regulations notification regarding a measles case involving an Australian national who had traveled and temporarily stayed in Indonesia. All related cases have recovered, and cross-border coordination is ongoing.

Consultant pediatric infectious and tropical disease specialist at RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, dr. Mulya Rahma Karyantisaid measles trends are closely linked to disparities in local immunization coverage.

“Nationally, measles-rubella immunization coverage has exceeded the target. However, cases still occur in certain provinces, regencies, or even villages with low immunization coverage. In these areas, the risk of measles outbreaks is higher,” she said.

The ministry said it would continue to strengthen national vigilance through enhanced surveillance, rapid outbreak response, and cross-sector collaboration with regional administrations to prevent wider transmission of measles in Indonesia. ***