Indonesia Leads ASEAN Forum to Combat Dengue & Achieve Zero Deaths

Jakarta, Indonesia, hosted a regional forum focused on dengue prevention and control on February 9, 2026. The Forum, titled “Advancing Collaboration on Dengue Prevention and Control,” convened at the JW Marriott Hotel and brought together representatives from across the ASEAN region.

A Regional Push for Dengue Control

The Indonesian Ministry of Health, alongside KOBAR (Koalisi Bersama) Lawan Dengue – a collaborative coalition – initiated the forum with the aim of realizing a “Zero Dengue Deaths” vision throughout the ASEAN community. This initiative seeks to translate broad goals into tangible improvements in public health outcomes.

Successes in Indonesia

Asnawi Abdullah, Head of the Badan Kebijakan Pembangunan Kesehatan (BKPK), highlighted Indonesia’s progress in combating dengue. The nation has seen a decrease in dengue incidence from 92 cases per 100,000 people in 2024 to 57 cases per 100,000 people in 2025. This reduction is attributed to the expansion of Wolbachia technology and increased vaccination coverage.

Did You Know? Indonesia experienced a significant reduction in dengue cases, dropping from 92 cases per 100,000 people in 2024 to 57 cases per 100,000 people in 2025.

Abdullah stated, “With evidence-based policies and ASEAN solidarity, Zero Dengue Deaths is no longer just a vision – it is a goal People can achieve together.”

The Role of Collaboration

Suir Syam, Chairman of KOBAR Lawan Dengue, emphasized the importance of broad participation in addressing complex health challenges. KOBAR was established to foster a spirit of collective action and ensure that this collaborative approach informs policy decisions.

“KOBAR was built as a multi-stakeholder coalition to strengthen the national response and encourage more integrated policies. We believe that the spirit of gotong royong – mutual assistance – is the key strength in facing complex public health challenges like dengue,” Syam explained.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach – embodied by KOBAR – suggests a recognition that effective public health interventions require buy-in and coordinated effort across various sectors, moving beyond solely governmental responses.

Forum Participation and Future Steps

Approximately 150 participants attended the event, including delegates from ASEAN countries, representatives from international organizations like the WHO, local government officials, academics, and private sector representatives. The presence of the ASEAN Secretariat suggests a commitment to regional coordination.

The forum is expected to generate policy recommendations aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and bolstering public health resilience. A possible next step could involve the development of joint action plans and resource allocation strategies to support dengue prevention and control efforts across ASEAN member states. Analysts expect that continued dialogue and data sharing will be crucial for tracking progress and adapting strategies as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KOBAR Lawan Dengue?

KOBAR (Koalisi Bersama) Lawan Dengue is a collaborative coalition built to strengthen the national response to dengue and encourage more integrated policies.

What strategies has Indonesia used to reduce dengue cases?

Indonesia has reduced dengue cases through the expansion of Wolbachia technology and increased vaccination coverage.

Who attended the Forum Regional Dengue?

The forum was attended by approximately 150 participants, including delegates from ASEAN countries, representatives from organizations like the WHO, government officials, academics, and the private sector.

How might increased regional collaboration impact the fight against dengue in Southeast Asia?