The Spike In DHF Cases Reaches 1 Million, The Government Boosts Steps Towards Zero Dengue Deaths 2030

JAKARTA - Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is still one of the biggest public health challenges in Indonesia. Diseases caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito not only cause a big economic burden, but also threaten the safety of lives, especially in children.

With climate change, rapid urbanization, and high population mobility, the risk of dengue transmission is increasing in various regions. Therefore, joint efforts to strengthen the prevention, reporting, and early response system are urgent needs.

The latest data shows that the burden of dengue disease continues to increase and requires serious attention. BPJS Kesehatan noted that there were 1,068,881 cases of dengue throughout 2024, of which 98.7 percent or 1,055,255 cases were inpatients.

This figure is almost four times higher than the Ministry of Health's report in the same period. In addition, claims of treatment financing due to dengue jumped from IDR 1.5 trillion in 2023 to IDR 2.9 trillion in 2024.

This data difference indicates that the actual burden in society is likely much greater, as well as emphasizing the need for an integrated and accurate reporting system to strengthen proof-based policy making.

According to the Deputy Chairperson of the MPR RI, Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, SS, MM, who is familiarly called Rerie, emphasized the importance of strong leadership and cross-sectoral coordination in tackling dengue.

"Dengue is no longer just a matter of public health, but a reflection of the readiness of our system to protect the people. We need to build one data, one direction, one commitment so that every death due to dengue is no longer considered natural," said Rerie, in a media briefing "Building an Integrated Early Reporting and Warning System Towards Indonesia Zero Dengue Death 2030" in Jakarta.

On the occasion that Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the DPR RI, Dr. Hj. Nihayatul Wafiroh, MA, also appreciated the steps taken by the Ministry of Health which is currently preparing the 2026-2030 Dengue National Action Plan (RAN) as a continuation of the 2021 2025 National Strategy (STRANAS).

"We encourage that the preparation of RAN be immediately finalized with a strong legal basis, ideally at the level of presidential regulation. It is also important to integrate technological advances, surveillance innovations, vaccinations, and more effective treatment approaches," he said.

Chairman of KOBAR Lawan Dengue, dr. H. Suir Syam, M.Kes., MMR, added that cross-sectoral collaboration must be further strengthened.

"As a cross-field independent forum, KOBAR plays a role in ensuring that the policies and innovations produced really have an impact and are sustainable. Together, we will tread the road to Zero Dengue Death 2030 with a real commitment, not just a call," he said.

According to KOBAR data, there is a big gap between the Ministry of Health's report (around 257 thousand cases of dengue in 2024) and BPJS inpatient data (about 1 million cases). This indicates an under-reporting of the real burden of dengue in the field.

Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Sp.PD-KEMD, Ph.D, welcomed the cross-sector discussion.

"The Ministry of Health is committed to creating a strong policy to realize Zero Deaths Due to Dengue 2030. We are currently updating the Dengue Management STRANAS by strengthening early detection, rapid response, as well as innovative approaches such as vaccination and radiobacteria technology," he explained.

He added that real-time integration of surveillance systems will be the key to facing dengue threats in the future.

In terms of financing, dr. Lily Kresnowati, M.Kes., Director of Health Services Guarantee BPJS Health, highlighted the significant economic burden due to dengue.

"The financing claims due to dengue have almost doubled in a year. This indicates the importance of switching from reactive systems to anticipatory systems with stronger community prevention and education," he explained.

Meanwhile, dr. Jaya Mualimin, Head of the East Kalimantan Health Office, shared his regional experience in controlling dengue through an integrated approach.

"We implemented a combination of 3M Plus movements, public education, and innovations such as vaccinations. As a result, hospitalization cases decreased and residents' awareness increased. Thorough efforts were shown to be more effective in suppressing the spread of dengue in a sustainable manner," he said.

Through this forum, all stakeholders agree that dengue control cannot be postponed. Dialogue is expected to produce concrete policy recommendations, integrated national data systems, and regional needs maps to support the revision of the 2026'2030 Dengue Control STRANAS.

Moreover, this initiative is a clear proof of the synergy between the government, academics, the private sector, and the community, the vision of Indonesia Zero Dengue Death 2030 is not only a target, but a shared commitment towards a healthier future.