Indonesia continues to battle tuberculosis (TB), a highly contagious disease that remains a major public health threat. With an estimated 1,060,000 cases in 2024, the country now ranks second worldwide for TB cases, trailing only India. As detection and treatment efforts improve, the latest figures paint a clearer picture of the ongoing fight against this chronic infection.
TB is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect the bones, lymph nodes, and even the skin. The Ministry of Health has been ramping up efforts to detect and treat cases, with significant progress reported this year.
Dr. Ina Agustina Isturini, Director of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, revealed that Indonesia had detected 889,000 TB cases as of early March 2025. This figure represents 81 percent of the country’s 2024 detection target of 1,092,000 cases.
“The Ministry of Health has successfully detected 889,000 tuberculosis cases since early March 2025,” Dr. Ina stated during a virtual press conference for World Tuberculosis Day on Monday (March 24).
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Detection rates have steadily improved over the years. In 2022, 723,309 cases were identified, accounting for 77 percent of the estimated total. Of these, 635,840 cases—around 88 percent—were successfully treated. By 2023, the number of detected cases rose to 821,200, maintaining the same 77 percent detection rate, while 722,863 cases received treatment, also at an 88 percent success rate.
TB cases in Indonesia are categorized into two types: drug-sensitive TB and drug-resistant TB. Drug-sensitive TB remains the most common form, with 879,354 cases recorded last year. Meanwhile, drug-resistant TB accounted for just 9,779 cases, representing 1.1 percent of the estimated total.
Although TB is highly transmissible and can be fatal, it is curable with consistent treatment. Patients must follow their medication regimen diligently until a doctor confirms full recovery, as this is the only way to break the cycle of transmission.
Health officials urge the public to take preventive measures seriously. Undergoing TB screening, seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms appear, and ensuring proper treatment completion are key to reducing the spread of the disease.
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