TBC cases in Banyuwangi surge, DPR asks the government to intensify early detection

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Nihayatul Wafiroh (Ninik), highlighted the high number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. He asked the government to intensify early detection by conducting screening and tracking cases to anticipate the potential for wider transmission.

Based on the latest data, a total of 3,169 residents were confirmed positive for TB, while more than 27,000 other residents were suspected.

"The large number of suspects indicates that the potential for transmission in the community is still very high. Early detection must be expanded so that cases are found faster and the chain of transmission is immediately interrupted," Ninik told reporters, Thursday, April 23.

"This is not just about numbers, but about public safety," he continued.

The legislator from East Java III Dapil also highlighted the finding that the majority of TB cases in Banyuwangi attack the productive age group. According to Ninik, the impact of TB does not stop at physical health problems alone, but also threatens social stability and family economic resilience.

"If the productive age falls due to TB, productivity decreases and the family economy is certainly affected. This is a challenge that we must solve across sectors," he explained.

Even though the number of cases is quite high, the PKB politician appreciates the Banyuwangi Health Service's proactive steps in tracking close contacts down to the community level. However, he reminded that the discovery of cases must be accompanied by the patient's commitment to a total recovery.

Ninik emphasized that patients must complete anti-tuberculosis drug therapy (OAT) for at least six months without interruption. "Non-compliance risks triggering drug resistance (TB-RO) which is much more difficult and expensive to cure," he said.

Ninik also asked the public to make optimal use of the government's free treatment program. At the same time, he said, the local government must ensure the availability of drug stocks and the quality of patient support in the field.

"We are optimistic that with strong collaboration between the government, health workers, and public awareness, the target of eliminating tuberculosis in Banyuwangi and nationally can be achieved," he concluded.