BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA — Indonesia has recorded an increase in influenza activity, particularly in recent months, but the Ministry of Health says the situation remains within a medium range and does not yet indicate a concerning outbreak.

According to the Ministry’s surveillance data through epidemiological week 38 of 2026, Indonesia’s influenza positivity rate reached 56 percent. Influenza activity detected through health center surveillance was classified as medium, while surveillance conducted at hospitals remained at a low level. September 28, 2026.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the increase should be addressed by strengthening surveillance and preparedness rather than causing public alarm.

“There has indeed been an increase in influenza cases, particularly in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. However, based on the surveillance data we have, the situation remains within the medium range,” Budi said.

The Ministry said the increase in influenza activity during August and September was still consistent with seasonal patterns previously observed in Indonesia.

During epidemiological week 38, a total of 265 specimens were tested through sentinel surveillance, with 148 testing positive for influenza. Influenza A (H1N1pdm09) was the predominant virus detected.

H3N2 Subclade K Under Surveillance

The Ministry is also monitoring Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, which has recently attracted public attention and has been referred to by some as “superflu.”

The Ministry stressed that “superflu” is not an official nomenclature used by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to refer to subclade K.

Budi said surveillance data showed that detections of the subclade in 2026 were lower than those recorded in the previous year.

“For what is being referred to as ‘superflu’ or H3N2 subclade K, the data we are monitoring actually show that the number of detections this year is lower than last year,” he said.

Based on ILI-SARI sentinel surveillance, 188 subclade K detections were recorded from 2025 through epidemiological week 38 of 2026. Of these, 166 were recorded in 2025, while 22 were detected in 2026.

The Ministry continues to monitor the subclade through sentinel surveillance involving community health centers, hospitals, laboratories and health quarantine centers.

Ministry Urges Appropriate Use of Antiviral Drugs

The Ministry also emphasized that most influenza patients recover with supportive care and do not require hospitalization. Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are not intended for routine use in every influenza patient.

“Oseltamivir must be used appropriately. Based on expert advice, it should be used selectively for patients with severe conditions or those with comorbidities who require antiviral treatment,” Budi said.

The Ministry said limiting unnecessary use of oseltamivir is important to reduce the risk of antiviral resistance. Excessive use of antiviral drugs could reduce available treatment options if a more severe influenza outbreak occurs in the future, including one involving H5Nx viruses.

The Health Ministry said it would continue strengthening influenza surveillance, health-care facility preparedness, laboratory capacity and risk communication.

The public is advised to remain vigilant by maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks when sick or in crowded places, and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette.

People are also advised to seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen. Vulnerable groups, including infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions, require particular attention because they face a higher risk of complications from influenza.