A new wave of Covid-19 cases is sweeping across Asia, prompting Health Ministry of Indonesia to raise their guard. With infections climbing in neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, the Ministry of Health has issued a formal warning urging stronger vigilance at home.
The warning, issued through a circular signed by Acting Director General of Disease Control, Murti Utami, on May 23, 2025, emphasizes the need to prepare for a possible surge. “Vigilance must be heightened to anticipate a rise in cases and a potential Covid-19 outbreak in Indonesia,” the statement read.
This comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) also raised alarms over a global rise in Covid-19 positivity rates. As of late May, WHO reports a global positivity rate of 11%—the highest since July 2024—marking a clear spike since February.
The most affected regions include Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. In Southeast Asia alone, the rate jumped from 0.5% in mid-April to 5% by mid-May. Thailand and the Maldives reported the sharpest increases.
Despite regional concerns, Indonesia’s own Covid-19 situation remains stable for now. A circular released by the Ministry of Health on May 28 noted that the country had recorded a steep drop in weekly cases—from 28 to just 3—by the 20th week of 2025. The national positivity rate also remains low at 0.59%.
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Still, authorities remain cautious. Indonesia is currently seeing the spread of the MB.1.1 variant, which differs from the dominant variants in surrounding countries—namely XEC, JN.1, and NB.1.8. These variants, flagged by WHO for their transmission potential, are under close international surveillance.
In response, the Ministry has called on regional health agencies, hospitals, and public health laboratories to enhance early detection efforts. Facilities are being asked to prepare isolation units, ensure medical staff availability, strengthen surveillance, and report promptly through the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR).
The circular also urged public health campaigns to promote mask use, particularly for those who are sick or in crowded areas, and to reinforce habits of clean and healthy living. It further emphasized the need for early testing and specimen collection.
WHO has also voiced concern over slow booster vaccination rates, especially in lower-middle-income countries like Indonesia. It recommends continuing immunizations using JN.1- or KP.2-based vaccines—or the LP.8.1 variant if available—and not delaying further doses for high-risk groups.
With mid-year travel and mobility increasing, both the Ministry and WHO stress the importance of constant monitoring and readiness. The goal is clear: prevent a sudden rise in cases before it’s too late.
