RI Adds Special Budget to Accelerate TB Detection in 2026

Health workers see the results of a chest X-ray screening of a resident at the Cibodasari Health Center, Tangerang City, Banten, Tuesday (11/11/2025). The Ministry of Health plans to expand the integrated screening service program that has been running in eight health centers to be expanded (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health said that it had added a special budget to support the acceleration of tuberculosis (TB) detection in 2026, and the budget was focused on expanding access to TB screening and diagnosis services, especially in high-case areas.

The Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, said in Jakarta, Saturday, that to achieve TB elimination, Indonesia has several program indicators that must be pursued, namely the discovery of cases, the success of treatment and the provision of TB Prevention Therapy (TPT).

"Based on TB Information System data, as of January 11, 2025, the discovery of TB cases in 2025 only reached 79 percent of the national target of 90 percent, so there is still a gap of about 11 percent that needs to be pursued," said Aji.

However, he said, the achievement of treatment initiation was relatively good, especially for Drug-sensitive TB at 93 percent of the target of 95 percent and Drug-resistant TB at 83 percent of the target of 95 percent of cases found.

However, in terms of treatment success, he said, especially Drug Resistant TB which has only reached 59 percent, this achievement is still below target and shows the need for strengthening in the aspects of treatment compliance, patient support, and support for service systems.

Therefore, in 2026, his party focuses on the principle of Find TB, Treat Until Cure or TOSS TB, which includes efforts including active TB screening, investigation of TB patient contacts, strengthening TB reporting, and strengthening collaboration.

"The main interventions include distribution and strengthening of the use of diagnostic tools, such as chest X-rays and the use of Near Point of Care Testing (NPOCT), to increase early detection capacity and the discovery of cases more quickly and accurately," he said.

He hopes that this initiative can accelerate the discovery of TB cases, suppress transmission, and support the achievement of national TB control targets.

Aji reminded that TB can be prevented and cured, so the public needs to apply a clean and healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and check themselves to health facilities if they experience symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, or weight loss.

"For our brothers and sisters who are undergoing TB treatment, stay motivated and obey the treatment in a disciplined manner until it is completed according to the recommendations of health workers. Regular treatment is the key to recovery and preventing transmission," he said.

He also invited all people not to stigmatize or avoid TB patients. Instead, let's support, encourage, and embrace them.