Indonesia’s Ministry of Health recently announced stricter screening procedures in Bali and other areas due to a global rise in Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases. Mpox is a highly contagious virus, so travelers need to be extra cautious.
On August 18, Acting Director General of Health Yudhi Pramono stated in a press conference that all foreign tourists entering Indonesia must now fill out a health questionnaire upon arrival. The questionnaire asks about their health status, recent contact history, and places they’ve visited recently.
The Indonesian government hopes this approach will reduce the risk of a domestic Mpox outbreak.
Pramono further explained, ‘We will collect data based on the [incoming passengers’] country of origin. If they feel unwell, we advise them not to continue their journey.’ He emphasized that Indonesia will remain highly vigilant against the virus and take all necessary measures to protect public safety.
Additionally, Pramono reminded everyone that the virus’s incubation period can be up to 34 days, so a high level of alert is needed at all entry points. Currently, the number of Mpox cases in Indonesia has decreased compared to last year, a positive trend the government hopes to maintain.
As of 2024, Indonesia has confirmed 14 Mpox cases, with 74 suspected cases. This marks a significant decline compared to the same period in 2023, when there were 73 confirmed cases and as many as 240 reported suspected cases.
On August 14, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the current Mpox outbreak a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern,’ urging countries to take appropriate measures to respond to the epidemic.
The virus has now spread beyond the African continent, with confirmed cases also reported in Sweden and Pakistan.
You can find more information about Mpox on the World Health Organization’s website. If you have had skin contact with an infected person, or breathed in their breath during close contact, you may contract the virus. Additionally, touching items contaminated with the virus (such as bed sheets, clothing, or towels) can also lead to infection, as the virus can enter the body through the skin, respiratory tract, nose, mouth, and eyes.
Currently, Indonesia has not introduced any additional epidemic prevention measures, and it remains unclear whether further steps will be taken in the coming days or weeks. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to the virus or are already experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Most people infected with Mpox do not require special treatment—only simple supportive care, typically to relieve flu-like symptoms and body aches. In severe cases, antiviral medications may be necessary, and vaccines can be administered either before or after exposure to the virus for prevention.
▶ Guide & Tutorial for Filling Out the ‘Indonesia Health Declaration Form’
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