Mirella Pandjaitan
May 19, 2026
As global mobility continues to rise, Indonesian authorities are reinforcing precautionary measures, balancing vigilance with public reassurance to safeguard against emerging health threats.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and I Ngurah Rai International Airport are undertaking enhanced monitoring for the potential spread of hantavirus from imported cases via inbound passengers from abroad.
“Monitoring has been intensified at the entry points of the Port Health Office Soekarno-Hatta and the Banten Class I Port Health Office,” said Banten Health Office Head Ati Pramudji Hastuti.
Elsewhere, similar precautions are being implemented at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia is working closely with the Port Health Office Denpasar to strengthen passenger health screening.
According to Communications and Legal Division Head Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, coordination across airport stakeholders has been intensified to ensure optimal monitoring, particularly for international arrivals.
As part of early detection efforts, three thermal scanners have been activated—two at the international arrivals terminal and one in the domestic arrivals area. While not new, these devices remain a critical tool in monitoring passenger body temperatures and identifying potential health risks.
“All thermal scanners are directly monitored by the Port Health officers to ensure passengers arriving from abroad are within normal temperature ranges,” he explained.
Despite the increased vigilance, authorities are urging the public to remain calm. Preventive measures, officials stress, begin with basic hygiene and environmental control.
Residents are advised to:
- Avoid direct contact with reservoirs, namely rodents and their droppings
- Prevent rodents from entering homes
- Maintain proper sanitation
- Store food securely in sealed containers
Hantavirus is classified as a form of Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome. While serious, human-to-human transmission is considered rare.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever and headaches
- Muscle and calf pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin