Indonesia is ramping up its border surveillance in response to escalating concerns over the monkeypox virus, also known as Mpox. President Joko Widodo, in a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, 27th August, 2024, urged for heightened scrutiny at international arrival points to curb the potential spread of the disease.
“The Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies must immediately implement stricter monitoring at international entry points,” the President stated. He further emphasized the importance of widespread public health protocols and education, drawing parallels to the nation’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We can utilize our experience from the COVID-19 pandemic to implement necessary preventive measures,” Jokowi remarked, urging for a proactive approach in disseminating information and guidelines to the public.
The President’s call for caution comes amidst a surge in Mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a development that has garnered the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO).
“I urge everyone to exercise utmost caution and vigilance regarding the spread of Mpox,” Jokowi stressed, highlighting the WHO’s recent declaration of Mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” for the second time.
Preventive Measures for IAF Delegates
With the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) scheduled to take place in Bali from September 1st to 3rd, the President has also called for preventive measures for delegates arriving from Africa.
The Indonesian government is diligently finalising preparations for the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), set to take place in Bali from the 1st to the 3rd of September 2024. Health and safety protocols are a top priority, as directed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
“We must maintain the highest standards of health protocols,” stated Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala Nugraha Mansury, following a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, 27th August, 2024, as reported on the official Ministry of State Secretariat of Indonesia. “Security is also a key focus considering the numerous heads of state and world leaders who will be attending this forum.”
The second IAF will carry the theme ‘The Spirit of Bandung for Africa’s Agenda 2063’, marking a significant opportunity to strengthen concrete ties between Indonesia and Africa. The forum is expected to attract around 855 participants from various countries.
The IAF will also run concurrently with the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). In total, an estimated 1,500 delegates from African nations and other Global South countries are anticipated to attend.
Indonesia’s Mpox Case Updates
Indonesia’s first encounter with Mpox dates back to August 2022 when the Ministry of Health confirmed a case in an Indonesian citizen returning from overseas travel. Since then, the number of cases has gradually increased, reaching a total of 88 nationwide as of 17th August, 2024.
The majority of these cases have been concentrated in Jakarta (59), followed by West Java (13) and Banten (9). Encouragingly, 87 out of the 88 confirmed cases have recovered. Data analysis by the Ministry of Health indicates that the peak of Mpox cases in Indonesia occurred in October 2023.
As the global Mpox situation continues to evolve, Indonesia’s proactive stance on border control and public health awareness serves as a crucial line of defense in mitigating the potential impact of this emerging health threat.
