RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has expressed deep mourning over the death of a young doctor in Cianjur, West Java, due to complications from measles. In response to the tragedy, Lawmaker of Commission IX, Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa, called on the government to immediately overhaul the national immunization strategy.

She urged the government to mandate measles vaccinations for high-risk adult groups. She specifically highlighted the need for medical personnel who serve on the front lines of handling cases in Indonesia.

"This incident is a very serious wake-up call, this disease can no longer be underestimated. As it has been proven to lead to fatal complications, the government must intensify immunization for adults," said Neng Eem in a press release in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Neng Eem emphasized that the death of AMW (26), an intern physician, must serve as a turning point for the Ministry of Health to stop downplaying the risks of measles transmission among adults.

"To date, the national immunization program has been almost entirely focused on children. However, high mobility and intensive interaction between medical personnel and patients make them one of the most vulnerable groups," she noted.

Furthermore, she warned that low immunization coverage outside of pediatric age groups continues to erode the resilience of the national healthcare system. Without strengthening herd immunity among adults, the potential for outbreak explosions in the workplace will continue to haunt the country.

Neng Eem demanded that the government immediately re-map and expand access to adult measles vaccinations across all provinces, especially in regions currently impacted by Extraordinary Occurrences (KLB).

"Low immunization coverage has a direct impact on national resilience. We cannot allow this heartbreaking incident to recur. Immunization must be expanded, right now," Neng Eem asserted.

Current data reflects an increasingly alarming situation as of late February 2025. Throughout 2025, 45 measles outbreaks (KLB) were recorded across 29 regencies and cities, with more than 8,300 confirmed cases. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)