Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has directed the Health Ministry to implement strict screening measures for delegates attending the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali from September 1-3 to prevent monkeypox (Mpox) transmission.

“The WHO does not recommend discriminatory measures for incoming individuals. Our experience shows that closing entry points can lead to the virus entering through other routes. Thus, enhancing surveillance is more effective,” Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Tuesday.

The World Health Organization declared ongoing mpox outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa as a global emergency on Aug.14. Mpox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or contaminated clothing and bedding. It often causes visible skin lesions that can limit close contact with others.

Additionally, President Jokowi has requested the reactivation of electronic surveillance cards. These cards will issue QR codes to incoming travelers: green codes will indicate no action is needed, while yellow and red codes will trigger temperature checks and, if necessary, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.

PCR machines have been set up at key entry points. “We have two PCR machines at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, with results available in 30-40 minutes. If someone with a high temperature and a history of travel to Africa is identified, a rapid test will be conducted to confirm if they are positive. Positive cases will be isolated, with antiviral medication already sent to Bali and Jakarta,” Minister Sadikin added.

The government is also coordinating with airport authorities in relevant countries regarding the electronic surveillance cards.

The Denpasar Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) in Bali has implemented body temperature checks for passengers arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of the virus. The Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali also urged airlines and airport staff to report any sick or feverish passengers or crew to the quarantine center.

The Health Ministry reported 88 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Indonesia, with all of them fully recovered as of Tuesday.

Indonesia Allocates Rp 5.6 Billion for Mpox Vaccines

The government has allocated Rp 5.6 billion to import 1,600 doses of mpox vaccine from Denmark, following a previous procurement of 1,000 doses.

“We purchased the vaccines from Denmark, and we are also negotiating with Japan for additional supplies as directed by the President,” Minister Sadikin said.

These vaccines will not be given to the general public but will be prioritized for healthcare workers at high risk of exposure and those involved in screening delegates at the Indonesia-Africa Forum.

“Our priority is to protect Bali’s health workers, laboratory staff, and other high-risk groups,” Sadikin explained.

The Minister reassured the public that the government is prepared to manage mpox cases and has ensured vaccine availability. He also noted that individuals who received smallpox vaccines as children have natural protection.

“We are ready with the necessary medications and vaccines. While vigilance is important, there is no need for excessive worry,” he concluded.

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