Indonesia Measles Surge Amid Misinformation

Indonesia is facing a severe measles outbreak, with over 8,000 suspected cases and 10 deaths in the first three months of 2026, making it the second-highest globally after Yemen. This surge is attributed to a sharp decline in infant vaccination rates during the Covid-19 pandemic and widespread anti-vaccine misinformation on social media, as exemplified by Fitri Fransiskha's decision not to vaccinate her children. Religious concerns, such as those held by Yusran regarding 'halal' ingredients, also contribute to vaccine hesitancy, despite the Indonesian Ulama Council issuing a fatwa in 2018 declaring vaccines permissible. The Indonesian government, with support from figures like Indri Yogyaswari, has launched an emergency mass vaccination campaign and is collaborating with religious organizations to combat the spread and restore herd immunity, which epidemiologist Riris Andono Ahmad notes has been compromised.