January 9, 2026
JAKARTA – Regional health authorities have intensified surveillance and vigilance nationwide following the detection of dozens of so-called super flu cases across the country.
At I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, management has installed thermal scanners in the international arrivals terminal as a precautionary measure to detect potential cases early.
“We have reinstalled and reused the thermal scanners and thermo guns that were deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we have prepared medical facilities to examine passengers suspected of having super flu,” said Nugroho Jati, general manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia at Ngurah Rai airport, as quoted by Kompas.
Nugroho said all airport personnel have been briefed on the disease and instructed to remain vigilant. The airport is also coordinating closely with the Health Ministry to prevent the spread of the virus.
Similar measures have also been implemented in Jakarta, where Deputy Governor Rano Karno said health authorities were increasing vigilance for residents returning from the New Year holiday, particularly those arriving from overseas.
“When people return from holidays abroad, health monitoring must be carried out upon their arrival at the airport. While this is routine, vigilance is being increased,” he said.
The Surabaya administration in East Java has likewise stepped up vigilance for international arrivals.
“For travelers arriving from overseas, strict screening procedures have been implemented. Health checks, including body temperature screening upon arrival, are being conducted as an early detection measure against various potential diseases, including the super flu virus,” Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi said, as quoted by Antaranews.
The Surabaya Health Agency has also strengthened health surveillance and monitoring of acute respiratory infection and influenza cases across all healthcare facilities. Measures include enhancing the preparedness of community health centers (Puskesmas) and hospitals in handling respiratory disease cases, as well as enforcing infection prevention and control standards.
An early detection and rapid reporting system is also in place, with every respiratory illness case recorded and analyzed on a daily basis to monitor potential increases in specific areas.
“If patients are found to have severe or unusual flu-like symptoms, healthcare facilities are required to conduct further screening and report the case through the official reporting system within 24 hours,” said Surabaya Health Agency head Nanik Sukristina.
The agency has also intensified health education and promotion efforts targeting the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.
In Central Java, health authorities are urging residents to consistently practice clean and healthy living behaviors to prevent the possible spread of the super flu virus. These include frequent handwashing, consuming nutritious food, engaging in regular physical activity and wearing masks when sick.
The provincial administration has strengthened healthcare facilities and readied medical personnel to respond to a possible influx of patients.
Super flu refers to the H3N2 influenza A variant known as subclade K, which has been spreading globally since the final quarter of 2025, coinciding with winter in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the United States.
Subclade K, which represents a notable evolution in the H3N2 influenza A virus, was first identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in August 2025 and has since been reported in more than 80 countries.
According to assessments by the World Health Organization (WHO) and available epidemiological data, subclade K has not been linked to increased disease severity. Its clinical presentation remains similar to that of other seasonal influenza strains.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, headache, sore throat, fatigue and other typical flu-related complaints.
From August to December 2025, Indonesia confirmed 62 cases of super flu across eight provinces, with the highest numbers reported in East Java, South Kalimantan and West Java. Most cases have occurred among women and children.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has urged the public to remain vigilant but not to panic.
“This is similar to regular flu. Although it spreads quickly, it is not as deadly as some COVID-19 variants, the fatality rate is very low,” Budi said on Wednesday.
“With good nutrition, adequate sleep and regular exercise, we can strengthen our immune system and recover from mild viruses like super flu,” he added. (nal)