JAKARTA — The transition from the dry season to the rainy season has brought extreme weather conditions to Indonesia, particularly in the Greater Jakarta area. As a result, the health of most of the population has been affected. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, cases of flu and respiratory tract infections began to increase in early October 2025, when the rainy season began. For this reason, on Thursday (10/30/2025), Dompet Dhuafa, through the Ruang Cerita Daring session, educated the public about climate change and immunity, which makes humans susceptible to viruses, especially Influenza type A.
“Prevention is done by seeking medical treatment, wearing masks, and improving clean and healthy living behaviors. Type A viruses mutate easily, so further vaccination is necessary. A healthy lifestyle, such as taking care of yourself and your environment, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough rest,” said Dr. Zakiyah Wirda Sari, Functional Doctor at DD Clinic, Ciputat.
The increase in influenza cases has received special attention from the Indonesian government, particularly the Ministry of Health.
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“The strategy for combating influenza in Indonesia consists of prevention, detection, and treatment. Prevention can be carried out through education, control of risk indicators, and immunization. Meanwhile, detection can be done through surveys, strengthening entry points into the country and strengthening laboratories, and treatment consists of standardizing case management, health facility services and referral systems, increasing the capacity of health human resources, providing logistics, and risk communication,” said Dr. Prima Yosephine, Acting Director of Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health continues to coordinate intensively to handle the increasing influenza virus. With the central government, the Ministry of Health discusses and takes action related to policy formulation, case monitoring, and cooperation with national referral laboratories. With local governments, the Ministry of Health collects, records, and reports influenza data, as well as routinely monitors trends in cases. Meanwhile, with the community, the Ministry of Health monitors symptoms in the surrounding environment, actively participates in integrated health service posts (posyandu), and provides education. It also intensifies the implementation and education of clean and healthy living behaviors, as well as supports influenza immunization and health promotion activities.
“The Ministry of Health has prepared health facilities to treat severe influenza patients. The components of health facility preparedness consist of human resource readiness, facility and equipment readiness, logistics and medicine readiness, laboratory and diagnostic readiness, and referral system readiness,” continued Dr. Prima Yosephine.
The Ministry of Health also encourages the private sector and organizations to play a role in handling influenza. This role includes promoting education through various media so that information can be accessed by all members of the community. It also involves increasing the role of the community and becoming an intermediary for health information, as well as encouraging participation in providing vaccinations to the community.
On the same occasion, Chef Ocit, who is also a finalist on MasterChef Indonesia Season 9, said, “The focus on a clean and healthy lifestyle comes from diet and consumption. Diet and consumption are key to maintaining a healthy balance.”
“Protein requirements are a priority. Children need 13-34 grams, teenagers need 46-75 grams, and adults need 46-60 grams.
This is a priority and must be fulfilled by us. Many people tend to consume more carbohydrates, especially children who consume more sugar and sweeteners, which can cause diseases and decrease the body’s immunity,” said Chef Ocit. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Bani K
Editor: Ronna