Deputy Minister Of Health: Every Year 350 Thousand People In Indonesia Die From Stroke

Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Health)

JAKARTA - Stroke is one of the serious health problems in Indonesia that has a broad impact on society. Not only causing death, but stroke also has the potential to cause long-term defects for survivors. Fast handling is a key factor in saving lives and minimizing the risk of defects.

Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono revealed that every year more than 350 thousand people die from stroke in Indonesia. This figure shows the great health challenges faced by the state, as well as emphasizes the importance of a quick response in dealing with stroke cases.

Realizing the importance of this, Prof. Dante asked the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to be a pioneer in accelerating stroke management through innovation of health services.

The statement was made by Prof. Dante at the launch of the Jakarta Alert Stroke 2026 program, an initiative designed to accelerate the emergency handling of stroke. This program was introduced to coincide with the commemoration of National Health Day (HKN) in Jakarta, as a form of the government's commitment to improving the quality of health services and medical response to stroke.

"The stroke causes more than 350 thousand deaths every year," he said, quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Health on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Prof. Dante added that patients who survived the stroke remained at risk of experiencing permanent disabilities. This shows that saving lives is not enough, the quality of patient recovery must also be a major concern.

According to him, the success of saving patients is very dependent on the golden period, which is 4.5 hours since the first symptoms emerged.

"Golden period is only 4.5 hours from symptoms to being treated with the entry of drugs," he said.

In this context, Jakarta's position as a smart city provides strategic benefits. Digital infrastructure and an integrated public service system allow this city to lead rapid response efforts to stroke, ranging from early detection, patient transportation, to medical treatment in hospitals. Technology-based innovation is expected to shorten the response time so that patients receive on time treatment.

The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung emphasized the relevance of this program with the current public health condition.

"Stroke is the highest cause of death in Indonesia," said Pramono.

To support the implementation of the Jakarta Alert Stroke 2026, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government deployed 584 members of the white troops, who previously focused on assisting people with disabilities and the elderly. These troops will now also be involved in stroke management, ensuring patients receive immediate assistance in critical gold periods.

"I ordered the Head of the Service to help with stroke. Because gold period 4.5 hours is what is needed." Pramono said.

With this program, it is hoped that Jakarta can become a model in accelerating medical response to stroke. Initiatives such as the Jakarta Alert Stroke 2026 not only save lives, but also minimize the risk of long-term defects, so that the quality of life of post-stroke patients can increase.

Collaboration between governments, health workers, and technology is the main key in realizing fast, precise, and effective health services.