RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Health has launched an early detection and immunization campaign following official International Health Regulation (IHR) notifications from Australian health authorities. The alert was issued after two foreign nationals tested positive for measles in February 2026, following travel from Indonesia.

In response, the government is strengthening surveillance and intensifying supplementary immunization programs to prevent a domestic surge of the virus.

Dr. Andi Saguni, Acting Director General of Disease Control (P2), said the ministry immediately implemented mitigation measures after receiving the cross-border notification.

“The Ministry of Health has received an official notification through the IHR mechanism regarding two measles cases with a history of travel from Indonesia. As a rapid step, we are strengthening measles surveillance and intensifying supplementary measles immunization for school-aged children, especially in areas with the highest case burdens throughout 2025–2026,” Dr. Andi said at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Monday, February 23, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

The notifications involved two separate cases. The first was an 18-year-old female with a full vaccination history who traveled from Jakarta to Perth in early February.

The second case involved a 6-year-old girl with no immunization history who traveled from Jakarta to Sydney in mid-February. Both were confirmed positive through PCR testing after developing fever and the characteristic measles rash.

To anticipate potential outbreaks, the ministry has placed healthcare facilities and hospitals on high alert, preparing for cases that may lead to complications.

Dr. Andi also urged parents to complete their children’s immunizations, maintain clean and healthy living practices, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

“Communication, information, and education continue to be encouraged so that the community practices clean and healthy living behaviors, such as wearing masks, washing hands with soap, applying cough etiquette, and consuming balanced, nutritious food,” he added.

According to ministry data, 11,094 confirmed measles cases were recorded throughout 2025, with an additional 550 cases reported as of February 2026. Officials stated that the situation has not yet reached the threshold for a national Extraordinary Occurrence (KLB) status.

The report was released by the Ministry of Health’s Bureau of Communication and Public Services. For further information, the public may contact Halo Kemenkes via hotline 1500-567 or email kontak@kemkes.go.id. ***