By: Aalisha Ratuliu )*
Five years since it first shook the world, the Covid-19 virus has once again shown its teeth. Several countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong have reportedly experienced a spike in cases of coronavirus infection. Indonesia is also not immune from the threat. In early June 2025, six new cases were detected in West Java, and were immediately handled by local health facilities for observation and further treatment.
This condition is of particular concern, especially ahead of the long school holidays that have the potential to increase public movement and cause crowds at tourist attractions. In this context, health experts have again reminded the importance of implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS) to prevent the transmission of Covid-19, which is now mostly caused by the Omicron mutation variant.
Professor of the Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Faisal Yunus, Ph.D., Sp.P(K), stated that the most basic but very effective step in dealing with this new wave is to maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Wearing masks, washing hands regularly, avoiding crowds, and not sharing food or drinks are still very relevant steps, namely clean and healthy living (HBS) is the key.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining physical distance, especially when cases of transmission increase, as well as increasing the body’s immunity through a nutritious diet and adequate rest. Faisal warned that individuals with comorbidities should be more vigilant and should avoid places with high potential for exposure. He added that the spread of Covid-19 is very likely to occur through direct contact, including through the skin or droplets inhaled when close to an infected person.
Likewise, a member of Commission III of the Central Kalimantan DPRD, Wengga Febri Dwi Tananda, also reminded the public not to ignore the potential for a spike in cases. The public is asked to return to being disciplined in implementing health protocols that were previously relaxed. The implementation of the 3M principle (Wearing a mask, Maintaining distance, and Washing hands) is still very relevant and has proven effective in suppressing the spread of the virus. All parties must follow the procedures set by the government to avoid the potential for a spike in cases as occurred in 2020 to 2022.
He also emphasized that collective awareness of maintaining environmental cleanliness and avoiding contact with individuals showing symptoms of infection is an important first step. Wengga hopes that the public will not be careless and make the bitter experience during the past pandemic a valuable lesson.
At the regional level, similar efforts are also being intensified. Head of the Tasikmalaya City Health Office, Uus Supangat, said that his office continues to encourage the community to implement PHBS consistently. Although there have been no reports of new cases in his area, vigilance must still be increased considering the increase in cases in neighboring countries. He said that prevention is the main key and the local Health Office has taken strategic steps such as distributing masks and educating the community through the Community Health Center about the importance of maintaining cleanliness.
Uus asked the public to follow health protocols. There is no need to panic, but do not ignore it. If there are symptoms such as flu, cough, fever, runny nose, or shortness of breath, immediately check into a health facility. He also stated that the local government is still waiting for further technical instructions from the center, but socialization and education efforts will continue to be carried out without stopping.
The central government did not remain silent. On June 6, 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Health announced a series of strategic steps to strengthen the monitoring of the spread of Covid-19, especially the Omicron JN.1 subvariant which is currently the dominant variant. These steps include increasing laboratory capacity, more intensive contact tracing, and strengthening health protocols in public places and public transportation.
Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association, Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, highlighted the importance of updating the vaccine formulation to be able to cope with new variants that continue to develop. He also appealed to the public to immediately get the second dose of booster vaccination, especially for the elderly and vulnerable groups.
The public is also asked to return to implementing a healthy lifestyle that includes consuming nutritious food, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Strong body immunity is the main defense against infection. By combining preventive measures, such as PHBS, vaccination, and disciplined health protocols, the public is expected to be better prepared to face the potential spike in cases.
Although the global pandemic status has been lifted, vigilance must not be reduced. Covid-19 is now part of the ongoing global health challenge. By implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle, and complying with medical advice, Indonesia is expected to avoid a larger wave of infections and maintain the stability of public health as a whole.
It is important for every individual to rebuild collective awareness. Covid-19 may no longer be a global terror like it was a few years ago, but the virus has not completely disappeared. Simple preventive measures, such as washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining distance, and avoiding crowds, remain the most powerful weapons in protecting oneself, one’s family, and the community from this ever-looming threat.
)* Public Health Observer
