Indonesia faces Rp9 trillion economic burden from dengue fever

Dengue fever has become a significant national economic burden in Indonesia. Research presented at the 9th Asia Dengue Summit in Singapore estimates that the economic impact in 2024 reached approximately USD 550.9 million, or nearly Rp9 trillion, involving over 2 million hospitalizations.

A study by the Center for Health Financing Policy and Insurance Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) highlights that while the National Health Insurance (JKN) covers direct medical costs—estimated at around Rp3 trillion—it does not eliminate the financial strain on households. Families still face approximately Rp3.5 trillion in indirect costs, including transportation, food, accommodation for caregivers, and lost income due to inability to work.

For patients covered by JKN, out-of-pocket expenses average between Rp1.09 million and Rp1.33 million per episode. For those without insurance, costs can rise to between Rp4.27 million and Rp5.60 million per episode. Experts suggest that integrated prevention, such as mosquito nest eradication and dengue vaccination for school-aged children, are critical strategic interventions to mitigate these economic and health impacts.