The Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Asks The Ministry Of Health To Take Integrated Actions To Face The Threat Of Zoonosis

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the findings of a number of cases of the Hanta virus type HFRS that were detected in several areas, such as Yogyakarta, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and North Sulawesi.

According to him, this finding shows the lack of readiness of the State to deal with zoonotic diseases that move from animals to humans.

Puan also urged the government through the Ministry of Health to immediately take concrete and integrated steps, such as early detection so that the virus does not spread into an epidemic.

Virus Hanta may not have spread massively, but this is precisely the reason we have to act quickly. The focus is not only on emergency responses, but rather on building early detection capabilities and effective medical responses at the village level, places most vulnerable to disease spread," said Puan, Thursday, July 3.

Puan assessed that the readiness of primary health facilities and medical personnel to the regional level is the key to handling zoonosis diseases such as viruses. "Handling must start with a measured technical approach and solutions that can be implemented directly in the field," he said.

According to him, the government must also increase the supply of rapid rapid tests based on molecular facilities for Puskesmas and regional clinics that are categorized as prone to zoonosis. In addition, mandatory training is also needed for medical personnel to recognize the spectra of symptoms of the Hanta virus and other similar infectious diseases.

"Starting from densely residential areas, near traditional markets, and agricultural zones," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also highlighted the importance of a cross-sectoral approach in preventing zoonosis. One of them is community-based mouse control.

"Of course this requires cooperation between the Health Office, the Environment Service, and the Agriculture Service," said Puan.

Puan emphasized the importance of elements of cleanliness and environmental health in the community. Such as waste management, market cleanliness, and environmental sanitation which must be part of an integrated and mutually supportive policy in prevention efforts.

"This virus arises because the habitat of humans andappropriate animals is getting closer. This means that the approach cannot be sectoral. We need a cross-sectoral response with a measured target, for example a decrease in the population of mice and an increase in sanitation indicators in densely populated areas," explained Puan.

Puan assessed that Hanta virus is often neglected even though it can cause zoonosis, such as rabies,ANTraks, leptospirosis, bird flu, brucellosis, toxoplastosmosis, and monkeypox. According to him, this occurs due to the lack of public literacy about the dangers of zoonosis.

Therefore, Puan encouraged the government to increase socialization and education about the Hanta virus so that the public would better understand its impact and take anticipatory measures as the main prevention.

If people don't know the dangers of this virus, they can think of the symptoms that arise as normal and do not immediately seek treatment. Education must go directly to the field, to the market, to agricultural land, and to the villages," explained the chairman of the PDIP DPP.

Puan said the Hanta virus cannot be handled with a passive approach so that the state must be present with integrated handling through a concrete medical system.

"Public education is right on target, and environmental governance supports the prevention of animal-based diseases so that they do not become an epidemic in Indonesia," concluded Puan.

As is known, there were eight cases of Hanta virus disease found in Indonesia in the period 15-21 June 2025. All of these cases have now been declared cured. Transmission of this virus comes from contact with exposure to infected mice.

Of all the cases found, 2 cases were found in West Java, 4 cases in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, 1 case in East Nusa Tenggara, and 1 other case in North Sulawesi.