Do not fall for hoaxes about vaccines or alternative treatments. Always refer to official information from the Ministry of Health, local health offices, or certified medical professionals,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called for an accelerated immunization program to prevent further cases of measles among children.

Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday in response to questions about the recent measles outbreak in Sumenep, Madura, the minister confirmed that he would visit the area on Thursday (August 28) to conduct a field assessment.

He noted that similar cases had been reported in other regencies and municipalities as well.

"Measles is a deadly disease, but it is preventable through immunization. We need to intensify immunization efforts," Budi stated.

He drew a comparison to the recent polio outbreak, which, he said, was triggered by disruptions to routine immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Just like the polio outbreak — that happened because immunization was disrupted during COVID,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of August 24, 2025, Sumenep had reported 2,139 suspected measles cases, 205 confirmed positive cases, and 17 deaths.

The ministry’s Head of Public Communication and Information Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, confirmed on Wednesday that authorities are coordinating with the Sumenep Health Office, the East Java Provincial Health Office, local agencies, and partners to respond to the outbreak.

A response team has been deployed to conduct epidemiological investigations and assist in rapid surveys to identify the target population for an Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) campaign.

"The ORI campaign will run from August 25 to September 12, 2025, targeting children aged 9 months to 6 years," Aji said.

He outlined additional measures, including increased vigilance for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), especially among toddlers with measles-like rashes, and further epidemiological investigations to trace sources of transmission and close contacts.

“We are intensifying surveillance to detect suspected measles cases and mapping vulnerable groups, including infants, pregnant women, severely ill children, and malnourished children,” Aji added.

Authorities are also working across programs and sectors to address related health issues, ensuring vaccine and logistics availability, and carrying out the measles ORI initiative.

The public is urged to bring individuals with suspected measles symptoms to the nearest healthcare facility promptly to minimize the risk of serious complications.

“Complete the immunization schedule for children who have not been fully vaccinated or never received immunization. Children diagnosed with measles should be temporarily isolated at home to prevent transmission,” he said.

Aji also emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and healthy living practices (PHBS) and meeting children’s nutritional needs.

“Do not fall for hoaxes about vaccines or alternative treatments. Always refer to official information from the Ministry of Health, local health offices, or certified medical professionals,” he concluded.



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Translator: Mecca, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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