Increase in Covid-19 cases, have you entered Indonesia?

KJavanese abar -The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has issued a circular (SE) regarding the increase in the Covid-19 case since May 23, 2025. There are 7 cases of Covid-19 detected in Indonesia since the end of May 2025.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia officially issued a Circular Letter (SE) Number SR.03.01/C/1422/2025 on May 23, 2025.

This letter is a form of response to the trend in the increase in the Covid-19 cases that are again monitored, especially in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

In Thailand, the variants in circulation include XEC and JN.1, while Singapore recorded the distribution of LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants which were derived from JN.1.

While Malaysia also reported the XEC variant as a cause of an increase in infection. Hong Kong is not left behind, with the dominant variant of JN.1 which is still spread even though the case is not as big as other neighboring countries.

Recent Report: Covid-19 Have you entered Indonesia?

The data released by the Ministry of Health and delivered by the Ministry of Health Spokesman, Widyawati, confirmed that Indonesia also began to show a new case.

In the 22nd week, precisely between 25 to May 31, 2025, there were 7 cases of positive COVID-19 confirmation. The positivity rate in that period was recorded at 2.05%, which means that of every 100 people examined, two people were tested positive.

Provinces that have experienced the highest increase include Banten, DKI Jakarta and East Java. However, until now there have been no reports of death cases due to the infection throughout the year 2025. So far, the Ministry of Health recorded a total of 2,160 specimens has been examined, with 72 positive results.

Interestingly, in the 20th week, the trend of the Covid-19 case actually showed a decline compared to the previous week.

Of the 28 cases in the 19th week, the number dropped dramatically to only 3 cases, with a lower positivity rate of 0.59%. The most dominant variant in Indonesia today is MB.1.1.

Direction and instructions through the latest circular letter

Through the circular, the Ministry of Health appealed to all health offices at the provincial, district and city levels to increase vigilance.

One of the main focus is to strengthen the capacity of health workers and laboratories in detecting COVID-19 cases, including through strict supervision of travel perpetrators from abroad.

Specifically for the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) in the field of health care, they are asked to be active in monitoring migrants, especially those who show symptoms of respiratory disorders.

Further examination, including observation and specimen taking, must be done to detect early possible spread of diseases that have the potential to become extraordinary events (KLB).

The important role of health facilities

Hospitals, Puskesmas, and various other health service facilities are also asked not to be careless.

Education to the public about the importance of clean and healthy life behavior (PHBS), including washing hands and using masks when sick or in the crowd, needs to be done.

In addition, health workers are asked to always be ready to detect and respond to cases according to the needs in the field, as well as maintaining their own health.

Appeal for the Ministry of Health to the community

The Ministry of Health provides some important guidelines for the community to remain vigilant:

1. Apply the Health Protocol and Clean Lifestyle:
   • Always wash your hands using soap or hand sanitizer.
   • Use a mask, especially if you experience coughing or colds, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and sufferers of accompanying diseases.
   • Apply the correct cough and sneezing ethics.
2. Avoid traveling if you’re not healthyTo prevent the spread of viruses to others.
3. Specifically for international journey actorsEspecially those who just returned from China, the Ministry of Health appealed to the health protocol strictly and immediately checked himself to the health facility if it experienced COVID-19 symptoms.

What is the meaning of the increase in this case for Indonesia?

The increase in cases in Asian countries raises its own concerns, even though the transmission rate is still relatively low. The Indonesian government considers that the current situation has not been in the emergency phase, but it must still be watched out so as not to develop into a large surge as before.

Quick steps in supervision, detection, to public education are the main key so that Indonesia is still able to control the situation. Not only the task of the government, the role of the community is also crucial in ensuring that the health protocol is not forgotten.

With SE number SR.03.01/C/1422/2025, Indonesia shows its commitment not to be cheated on the potential of the revival of COVID-19.

Even though at this time there has not been a big case explosion, warning signals from neighboring countries must be made important lessons that this virus still exists and is able to mutate.

Conclusion:
Covid-19 is not completely lost. Although Indonesia has not experienced a big surge, the fact that there were 7 cases of confirmed at the end of May 2025 to be a reminder that vigilance still needs to be maintained.

The application of prevention policies through the latest circular is a wise step to anticipate further distribution in the community.

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