Jakarta, IO – Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DBD), commonly referred to as dengue, is transmitted through the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. A recent scientific study from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta estimates that the economic burden of dengue will reach IDR 9 trillion by 2024, resulting in more than 2 million hospitalizations. The study also indicates that the Health Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) will cover IDR 3 trillion in dengue-related services. However, BPJS patients and their families will still incur an additional IDR 3.5 trillion in direct expenses and lost income during illness.
The urgency of dengue prevention is heightened as the effects of climate change become increasingly evident. There is an 80 percent probability of an El Niño event occurring between June and August 2026, which is predicted to continue above 90 percent until the end of the year. This condition may affect air temperature and rainfall patterns across Indonesia, potentially expanding the habitat and accelerating the life cycle of Aedes aegypti, thereby increasing the risk of wider dengue transmission.
“Climate change elevates the risk of dengue transmission. The public must enhance vigilance and adopt preventative measures. The government has developed the National Strategy (Stranas) for Dengue Control 2021-2025, which serves as a guideline for combating dengue in Indonesia. This initiative is backed by the National Action Plan (RAN) 2026-2029, featuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach that includes education, mosquito larvae eradication through 3MPlus strategies, vector control, and the adoption of various innovative prevention methods, including vaccination. We encourage active community involvement from families, schools, communities, and the private sector,” stated dr. Agus Handita, SKM, Epid, Head of the Arbovirosis Working Team of the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), in Jakarta on Friday (19/6/2026).
As a city characterized by high mobility and population density, Jakarta faces unique challenges in dengue control. “As of June 15, 2026, there have been 5,700 recorded cases of dengue infection in Jakarta. The Jakarta Provincial Health Office is intensifying various dengue control efforts, including enhancing the role of mosquito larvae control (Jumantik) cadres. Active public participation is essential to raise awareness about dengue prevention,” commented dr. Budi Setiawan, M.Epid, Head of the Epidemiology and Immunization Surveillance Section of the Jakarta Provincial Health Office.
A Threat to All Age Groups
Data from the Ministry of Health, dated January 5, 2026, shows a total of 161,752 cases, with an incidence rate (IR) of 57.09 per 100,000 population, and 673 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.42. Data from 2025 indicates that the highest mortality rate occurred in the 5–14 age group (41%), while the highest number of cases was reported in the 15–44 age group (42%). This data confirms that dengue poses a serious threat to all age groups.
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“Many parents still perceive dengue as a seasonal illness. However, the risk of transmission can occur at any time, and in some cases, it may lead to life-threatening conditions, including dengue shock, which requires immediate medical attention. A comprehensive approach, including vaccination, can help reduce the risk of hospitalization and complications. The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has recommended the DBD vaccine for children to ensure optimal protection,” stated Prof. Dr. dr. Hartono Gunardi, Sp.A, Subsp.TKPS(K), Chair of the Childhood Immunization Task Force of IDAI.
On the same occasion, Dr. dr. Sukamto Koesnoe, Sp.PD, K-AI, FINASIM, Head of the Adult Immunization Task Force of the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI), explained, “The risk of dengue is heightened in individuals with comorbidities; for instance, those with hypertension face a 2-3 times higher risk of complications, while individuals with diabetes mellitus are at a 3-5 times higher risk, those with kidney disease have a 7 times higher risk, and asthma or chronic lung disease raises the risk by 2-12 times. Comprehensive prevention efforts must prioritize all age groups. PAPDI has recommended the DBD vaccine for individuals aged 18-60 as part of a thorough protection strategy.”
Meanwhile, Andreas Gutknecht, President Director of PT Takeda Innovative Medicines, stated that dengue cases over the past five years have nearly tripled compared to the previous two decades. “We are committed to supporting dengue prevention efforts through public education, expanding access to innovative protection, and fostering close partnerships with the government, healthcare workers, professional organizations, and all stakeholders. Through continued collaboration, we can help more Indonesian families take the necessary protective steps before it’s too late.”
As part of its public education efforts, Takeda will host the event “ABCD Land-Ayo Bersama Cegah DBD!” at Urban Forest Jakarta on June 20-21, 2026. This initiative is a component of the “Joint Steps to Prevent Dengue Fever” program launched by Takeda in 2023, in collaboration with partners from the Ministry of Health, professional organizations, and community groups. The event coincides with ASEAN Dengue Day, an annual observance that highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling dengue fever, one of the most significant health challenges in the Southeast Asian region.
The “ABCD Land–Ayo Bersama Cegah DBD!” event encourages the public to understand the significance of dengue prevention and take early protective measures. With a variety of engaging activities designed for the entire family, the event is expected to attract over 1,000 visitors over the two days. (est)