The ministry’s head of communication and public information, Aji Muhawarman, said on Thursday that Indonesia was notified of the case by Romania’s International Health Regulation National Focal Point in early December 2025.
According to the notification, two Indonesian nationals working in Romania were identified as suspected leprosy cases. The index case, Muhawarman said, was the mother of the two individuals, who resides in Bali.
He said the mother is currently undergoing treatment in Indonesia and is in stable condition. The two Indonesian nationals are expected to return home soon to receive further medical care and monitoring.
Indonesia and Romania are continuing close coordination to manage the case and ensure appropriate follow-up measures are taken, he added.
Muhawarman also said that as of Nov. 12, 2025, Indonesia had recorded 10,450 new leprosy cases nationwide, with the highest numbers reported in West Java, East Java and Central Java.
He urged the public to be aware of common symptoms, including numb skin patches that are not itchy, shiny or dry and scaly skin, blisters or painless sores on the hands or feet, tingling sensations and pain in the limbs.
“Leprosy is not easily transmitted and can be fully cured if detected and treated early,” Muhawarman said.
He encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention at health facilities, noting that leprosy treatment is available free of charge at public health centers and must be completed as prescribed.
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Muhawarman also called on the public to avoid stigmatizing or discriminating against people affected by leprosy, warning that stigma can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Media reports earlier said two Indonesian masseuses working at a spa in the northwestern Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca had been diagnosed with leprosy.
Romania’s Health Ministry said the country’s last confirmed leprosy case was recorded 44 years ago.
The two masseuses, aged 21 and 25, are undergoing treatment, while two additional people are being tested, Romanian authorities said.
Romanian Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete said one patient had recently returned from Asia after spending a month with her mother, who was hospitalized for the same disease.
He reassured the public there was no cause for alarm, noting that leprosy requires prolonged close contact to spread.
Authorities have temporarily closed the spa pending further investigation.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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