JAKARTA — As the world cautiously watches a new wave of Covid-19 spread through parts of Asia, Indonesia is holding steady, prepared but calm. While neighboring countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong see rising cases, the Indonesian government is urging people not to panic, but to stay alert — and most importantly, to stay informed.
“We’ve come a long way since the height of the pandemic,” said Aji Muhawarman, spokesperson for the Health Ministry, in an interview on May 21. “We’ve learned from the past. Our hospitals are better equipped, our health workers more experienced, and our labs ready for action. Whether it’s Covid-19 or another health threat — we are not starting from zero.”
This reassurance comes as Covid-19 numbers climb elsewhere in Asia. Thailand has reported more than 71,000 new infections and 19 deaths since January, while Singapore saw 25,000 new cases in just two weeks. Hong Kong, too, is seeing its highest positivity rate in a year.
But in Indonesia, things have been quiet. Health Ministry data shows that daily new infections have stayed in the single digits since December 2024.
Still, the government isn’t taking any chances. Airport and seaport checks are being tightened, and all incoming travelers must now complete a health declaration through the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. Inside the country, the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) quietly gathers data from health centers, tracking any signs of trouble before it spreads.
“Mass screening isn’t necessary at the moment,” Aji explained. “But our system is ready — hospitals, labs, doctors — they’re keeping a close watch. If anything changes, we’ll act fast.”
Vaccination remains a concern. While about 75% of Indonesians have received their primary two-dose vaccines, only 39% have gotten a booster shot. Aji is encouraging vulnerable groups — especially the elderly and those with existing health conditions — to get their boosters as soon as possible.
Experts are also weighing in. Dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, an epidemiologist from Gadjah Mada University, said that while Indonesia doesn’t need to stay on high alert forever, it must remain agile. “We shouldn’t live in fear — but we must be ready to respond quickly,” he said.
Dr. Dicky Budiman from Griffith University in Australia warned of the virus’s ability to evolve. The current wave in Asia is driven by JN.1, a subvariant of Omicron, which is more contagious though not more deadly. He stressed the importance of strong case tracing and genetic sequencing. “If we ignore surveillance, we risk getting caught off guard,” he said. “Covid-19 may be with us for a while, and the virus will keep changing.”
In a global move to prevent future health chaos, WHO member states recently signed a historic Pandemic Agreement on May 20. It’s a promise of better collaboration, quicker response, and fair vaccine access around the world. “This is a win for humanity,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We’re learning from our mistakes.”
For now, Indonesia watches, waits, and quietly prepares — not with fear, but with lessons learned and systems in place.
