Indonesia Reports Medium Influenza Activity as Surveillance Intensifies

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has recorded increased influenza activity across the country and Southeast Asia. Health authorities say current conditions remain within the medium range.

Surveillance through epidemiological week 38 recorded a 56% influenza positivity rate. Health-center surveillance showed medium activity, while hospital surveillance remained at low levels.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin urged stronger surveillance rather than public panic. “There is an increase in influenza cases, particularly in Indonesia and Southeast Asia,” said the minister in a written statement on Monday, 28 September 2026.

The August-September increase remains consistent with Indonesia’s established seasonal influenza patterns. Of 265 sentinel specimens examined, 148 tested positive for influenza during week 38.

Influenza A (H1N1pdm09) was the dominant virus among those positive specimens. Authorities are also monitoring Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, sometimes called “superflu.”

The term “superflu” is not an official nomenclature used by WHO or CDC. Surveillance data also showed fewer subclade K findings this year than previously.

From 2025 through week 38 of 2026, surveillance recorded 188 subclade K findings. There were 166 findings during 2025, compared with 22 during 2026.

Health authorities continue monitoring subclade K through sentinel surveillance involving healthcare facilities. Most influenza cases recover through supportive care and do not require hospitalization.

Oseltamivir is not intended for every influenza patient, according to health authorities. Its use should remain limited to severe cases or patients with relevant comorbidities.

Limiting antiviral use aims to reduce the risk of developing drug resistance. Authorities are strengthening surveillance, healthcare readiness, laboratory capacity, and public risk communication.

The public is encouraged to maintain hygiene and use masks when sick. Vulnerable groups should receive greater attention because they face higher complication risks.