Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 07:24 AM

Lawmaker urges govt to strengthen flu response as Indonesia cases rise

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Tri Meilani Ameliya, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

What must be strengthened is vigilance, surveillance, healthcare facility readiness, and consistent public communication,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - An Indonesian lawmaker has urged the government to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare readiness amid rising influenza cases, advising the public to remain calm and strictly avoid panic buying of antiviral medications.

Netty Prasetiyani, a member of House of Representatives Commission IX, which oversees health affairs, emphasized the need for early detection on Thursday following reports of increased flu activity across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

According to the Health Ministry, the influenza positivity rate in surveillance data reached approximately 56 percent by the 38th week of 2026.

"The increase in cases certainly requires attention, but the public does not need to panic. What must be strengthened is vigilance, surveillance, healthcare facility readiness, and consistent public communication," Netty said in a statement.

She praised the ministry's warnings against panic buying of antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir, noting that they should only be used when medically indicated.

"Do not let anxiety push people to buy or consume medication without a medical examination. Treatment must follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals," she added.

Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Herbuwono addressed the situation on Wednesday, reassuring the public that the current spread of influenza A is generally not dangerous, although the government continues to monitor the severity of cases.

"This is a self-limiting disease, an illness that heals on its own without treatment," Dante told a press conference in Jakarta.

He added that there had been no significant spike in cases locally or globally, noting that flu transmission typically peaks ahead of Indonesia's rainy season before declining around February or March.

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