Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious threat in Indonesia. The disease has a high mortality rate, claiming approximately 12–14 lives every hour. Indonesia even ranks second globally in the number of TB cases, with an estimated total of 1,090,000 cases and 125,000 deaths each year. These high figures indicate an increase compared to previous years.
A lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), who is also Director of Zero TB Yogyakarta, Dr. Rina Triasih, M.Med(Paed), Ph.D., Sp.A(K), stated that the high TB mortality rate should raise public awareness of the disease. She emphasized that TB is just as dangerous as COVID-19.
“It is as dangerous as COVID. However, because TB has existed for a long time and causes deaths gradually, it is often perceived as less dangerous,” she said in a statement released by the UGM Center for Tropical Medicine on Wednesday (April 8).
According to Rina, the high number of cases and deaths from TB remains a significant public health challenge. This is despite ongoing efforts to achieve the national target of TB elimination by 2030.
“The increase in reported cases may also reflect improvements in case detection efforts, including cases that were previously undiagnosed,” she explained.
Furthermore, she explained that TB symptoms do not appear immediately after infection but develop within approximately 4–12 weeks.
“This condition allows cases to go undetected early, increasing the risk of delayed treatment and transmission within the community,” she noted.
On the other hand, Rina also highlighted several challenges in TB control efforts in Indonesia. In addition to geographic factors that create disparities in access to healthcare services across regions, stigma remains a major barrier. Many people are reluctant to seek medical examination due to fear of being diagnosed with TB, especially as the stigma may lead to concerns about losing their jobs.
“In fact, delayed diagnosis increases the risk of transmission and worsens the patient’s condition,” she added.
To address these challenges, Rina underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to TB control through the search, treatment, and prevention strategy. This approach includes active case finding (ACF), appropriate and complete treatment, and preventive therapy for high-risk groups.
“These efforts cannot be achieved by the health sector alone. Support and involvement from various sectors, including the government, private sector, and the community, are essential to ensure optimal TB control,” she emphasized.
Rina also expressed appreciation for various innovations introduced by the Indonesian Ministry of Health in addressing TB cases. One example is the implementation of ACF using portable X-ray units distributed across various regions.
“I believe this is a very good innovation to reach TB cases that were previously undetected,” she said.
She further highlighted plans to develop integrated screening services through the One Stop Service (OSS) concept, which combines TB screening with Free Health Check (CKG) services. This initiative is expected to accelerate case detection and management within the community.
Lastly, Rina emphasized the important role of the public in supporting TB elimination efforts. People are encouraged not to ignore symptoms such as a cough lasting more than two weeks and to seek medical attention promptly.
In addition, public awareness that TB is curable and not a hereditary disease must continue to be promoted. This is essential to reduce stigma and improve treatment adherence in the effort to eliminate TB in Indonesia.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Freepik