UNAIR NEWS In commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, commemorated annually on March 24, the Research Group on Tobacco Control from the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) (UNAIR) hosted a Media Conference under the theme GIATKAN! Gerakan Indonesia Akhiri Tuberkulosis (Intensify! Indonesias Movement to End Tuberculosis).
The event took place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Sabdoadi Hall, Faculty of Public Health, MERR-C Campus, UNAIR. The conference brought together leading health experts, including dr. Wiwin Is Effendi, SpP(K), PhD, FAPSR, and Prof. Dr. dr. Santi Martini, M.Kes., Dean of FKM UNAIR.
During the conference, speakers highlighted the current state of TB transmission in Indonesia and the necessary measures to combat this infectious disease. According to the Global TB Report 2024, Indonesia ranks second globally in TB burden, following India. The report estimates 1,090,000 TB cases in Indonesia, with an annual mortality rate of 125,000 deathsequivalent to 14 fatalities per hour.
Once TB is detected through screening, treatment and prevention must be carried out consistently. No cases should go untreated to ensure effective TB control, stated Dr. Effendi. He also emphasized that advanced technology is now available to facilitate early TB detection.
Prof. Martini further addressed the challenges of TB treatment, particularly patient adherence to therapy. TB medications are available free of charge at healthcare facilities, including community health centers (puskesmas), yet many patients fail to complete their treatment regimen. This leads to drug resistance, making TB treatment significantly more challenging, she explained.
East Java ranks as the second-highest province for TB cases
Data from Riskesdas 2018 (Indonesia Basic Health Research) indicate that pulmonary TB prevalence in Indonesia has remained stagnant at 0.4%, while pneumonia prevalence has increased from 1.6% to 2%. In East Java, TB cases have risen sharply from 53,289 in 2021 to 81,753 in 2022, making it the second-highest province for TB cases, following West Java.
To address this issue, the government has introduced a nationwide early detection program, offering free medical check-ups as part of its strategy to expedite TB case identification. By expanding screening coverage, the initiative aims to optimize TB treatment outcomes.
Smoking as major risk factor for TB
During her presentation, Prof. Martini also highlighted the role of smoking as a significant risk factor contributing to the rise in TB cases. Smoking is the second-highest risk factor for TB in Indonesia, following malnutrition. Smokers have a 73% higher risk of contracting TB and are more than twice as likely to develop active TB compared to non-smokers, she stated.
She stressed the need for a comprehensive, risk-based approach to TB prevention. Smoking weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to diseases, including TB. The government has implemented policies such as higher tobacco excise taxes as a preventive measure, she added.
Policy directions and TB control initiatives
The conference underscored the importance of strengthening TB control strategies through enhanced early detection, expanded access to treatment, and the implementation of policies that promote smoke-free environments. Collaboration between the government, healthcare professionals, academics, and the public is essential to reducing TB prevalence in Indonesia.
Without strong interventions, TB will remain a major public health burden in Indonesia. We need a large-scale national movement to raise awareness and accelerate TB elimination efforts, said Prof. Martini.
Through the GIATKAN! Gerakan Indonesia Akhiri Tuberkulosis campaign, the speakers aim to heighten public awareness about the urgency of early TB prevention and treatment. Their ultimate goal is to help Indonesia achieve TB elimination by 2030.
Author: Febriana Putri Nur Aziizah Editor : Ragil Kukuh Imanto
