Timely detection and rapid response to outbreak prone diseases remain a continuous public health challenges. Coordination between different government agencies, hospitals, point of entries and laboratories during health emergencies remains complex, particularly when diseases can spread internationally within hours.
Indonesia is committed to implementing the International Health Regulations (2005), which guide States Parties on the rights and obligations concerning public health risks. These regulations require establishing and maintaining a National Focal Point (NFP) function. The NFP serves as a coordination hub that communicates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other NFPs and manages responses to potential Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) events, in coordination with multisector.
On 3 December 2025, Indonesia along with 30 countries and areas in the WHO Western Pacific Region participated in the IHR Exercise Crystal. Indonesia’s participation reflects the nation’s continued engagement in regional cooperation, including the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework, which guides countries in building resilient health security systems.
The simulation tested how the National Focal Points would handle a scenario involving zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans and then between people. Participants practised detecting and monitoring disease signals in real time, verifying rumours, conducting risk assessments and communicating with international partners for prompt response.
During the exercise, Indonesia demonstrated its capacity across these critical areas. Ministry of Health officials issued preparedness notices, alerted frontline workers and coordinated with airports, seaports, ground crossings, hospitals, primary care facilities and laboratories. They also collaborated with animal, environment and wildlife sectors. The exercise showcased coordination between surveillance and laboratories at all levels, including sample collection, shipment and laboratory testing, as well as multisector coordination in activating response plans and deploying rapid response teams. It further underscored the importance of efficient communication from the field to the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre for rapid analysis and decision-making.
Indonesia also used the Event Information Site, an international platform for sharing updates among IHR NFPs on PHEIC potential events. Throughout the exercise, officials maintained transparent communication with WHO about events showing unusual patterns, severity, or risks of international spread.
Dewi Sartika, Expert Associate Health Administrator at the Directorate Surveillance and Health Quarantine, Ministry of Health, stated, "The IHR event communication exercise provided valuable lessons for strengthening multisectoral coordination. Rapid and well-organised communication and information-sharing across sectors remain essential for early detection and effective public health response."
Indonesia team during the IHR Exercise Crystal. Credit: Ministry of Health
For Indonesia, improving disease preparedness protects both public health and economic stability. Rapid detection and response can prevent small outbreaks from becoming major epidemics that disrupt trade, tourism, and daily life. The exercise reinforced the 7-1-7 approach, which aims to detect a suspected disease outbreaks within seven days, notify public health authorities within one day, and complete initial response actions within seven days.
Lessons from Crystal will inform improvements to Indonesia's National Action Plan for Health Security, including maintaining updated contact databases and expanding engagement with relevant sectors in future preparedness activities.
Written by Dr Endang Widuri Wulandari, National Professional Officer (Epidemiologist), WHO Indonesia