Dengue fever continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, affecting nearly all provinces and placing increasing pressure on the healthcare system. In 2024 alone, the country recorded more than 257,000 cases and over 1,400 deaths, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention and response measures.

Health authorities face multiple challenges in tackling the disease, including late detection of cases, limited diagnostic capacity, coordination gaps, and low levels of community participation in prevention efforts. These issues have hindered effective control of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection that continues to spread widely.

In response, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization and Gadjah Mada University, conducted a series of consultations between July and September 2025 to develop the “Rencana Aksi Nasional Pengendalian Dengue 2026–2029,” a comprehensive national action plan aimed at strengthening dengue control.

The consultations brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, professional bodies, United Nations partners, academics, civil society groups, and philanthropic organizations. Participants reviewed dengue trends across the country and identified key gaps in surveillance systems and case management.

The discussions also explored innovative approaches to dengue control. Among them were the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which have a reduced ability to transmit the dengue virus, the potential introduction of dengue vaccines, and the expansion of digital vector surveillance systems. Early warning systems integrating climate and epidemiological data, along with sustained community engagement, were also highlighted as critical components of future strategies.

The newly developed plan reflects a renewed commitment by the government to address dengue through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. It outlines key pillars ranging from vector control and clinical care to community participation and research-based decision-making. The framework aligns with national health priorities and global initiatives, including the WHO Global Arbovirus Initiative.

Beyond setting strategic direction, the plan provides a practical roadmap for implementation. It aims to enable earlier detection of outbreaks, faster response mechanisms, and clearer coordination among different sectors at both national and local levels. Officials believe this approach will strengthen the resilience of Indonesia’s health system while offering better protection to vulnerable populations.

With the goal of achieving zero dengue-related deaths by 2030, the government hopes that the integration of innovation, improved surveillance, and stronger community involvement will significantly reduce the burden of the disease in the coming years.