Depok, 15 November 2025 — Measles, a contagious disease often perceived as ordinary, has re-emerged and triggered outbreaks in several provinces. SEMOL FPH UI Series 8, organized by the Graduate Epidemiology Program of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI), opened a forum for discussion and knowledge sharing under the theme “The Cost of Refusing Vaccines: Measles Returns and Communities Pay the Price.” The online seminar, held on Saturday, 15 November 2025, brought together experts and practitioners to discuss the vital role of vaccination in strengthening community resilience amid rising measles cases in Indonesia.
“In recent years, we have witnessed a rise in measles cases, even leading to outbreaks in various provinces across Indonesia. The year 2025 serves as a stark reminder that measles is still far from being fully controlled, and one of the major contributing factors is the decline in immunization coverage.
We express our appreciation and gratitude to the speakers, the organizing committee from the Graduate Epidemiology Program of FPH UI, and all parties who have worked hard in preparing this event. We hope this seminar provides meaningful benefits and produces recommendations that can be implemented in public health practice, in line with our frequently echoed slogan, ‘UI Unggul, Impactful’ for Indonesia,” stated Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, in her opening remarks.
Dr. Sumarjaya, S.K.M., MFP., CFA., Director of Surveillance and Health Quarantine at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, outlined vital strategies to curb the spread of measles.
“The Early Warning and Response System (EWARS) is the core of early detection,” emphasized Dr. Sumarjaya, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance systems for timely detection of measles cases.
Measles is a priority disease closely monitored through EWARS, where a single suspected case marked by fever and rash is already considered an early warning. Control strategies include administering high-dose vitamin A, strengthening primary prevention through complete three-dose immunization, and engaging Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) students in field investigations and immunization response efforts. “If we provide protection swiftly, we can control the rise in cases. Without protection, we will face extraordinary spread,” concluded Dr. Sumarjaya.
Meanwhile, Dr. dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A(K), pediatrician and President of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), addressed the urgency of immunization for preventing infectious diseases. He noted that vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge, particularly in Indonesia. Many people feel safe and discontinue vaccinations because disease incidence has significantly declined. This drop in vaccination coverage has led to new outbreaks, prompting the government to implement Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) as a mass immunization strategy during outbreaks.
“Diseases like measles are far more contagious and deadly than COVID-19. Complete and continuous immunization is not just a health intervention—it is essential protection to prevent suffering, permanent disability, and recurring outbreaks,” stated Dr. Piprim.
During the question-and-answer session, participants from various universities and health facilities raised topics ranging from social determinants of low immunization coverage, the role of education in combating misinformation, to the readiness of surveillance systems in managing potential outbreaks. Responding to a question on socioeconomic factors affecting immunization, Dr. Piprim emphasized the importance of risk-based communication to address public hesitancy. He explained that many refusals stem from a lack of understanding about the dangers of preventable diseases. “We must ensure people do not fear vaccine side effects more than the disease itself. We need to show the real risks so parents fully understand the consequences,” he stressed.
Through SEMOL Series 8, FPH UI reinforced the importance of multi-stakeholder synergy in safeguarding health system resilience, particularly through strengthened surveillance and improved immunization coverage. A combination of technical preparedness, healthcare worker commitment, and community education remains crucial in preventing surges in measles and other infectious diseases. (ITM)