From Suits to Soil: Vice President Jusuf Kalla Picks Tomatoes Inside Tokyo’s Underground High-Tech Farm!

This article is a repost of a Jurnal Atani Tokyo article dated February 1, 2009, originally published in Indonesian and translated into English to make it more accessible to international readers.

At exactly 2:00 p.m. on February 1, 2009, Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Mrs. Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, accompanied by Minister of National Education Bambang Sudibyo, Ambassador Jusuf Anwar and Mrs. Lastrijah Jusuf Anwar, along with their delegation, arrived at the Pasona O2 Model Farm.

This farm is located on the second basement floor of the Nomura Building, situated in the heart of Tokyo, at 2-1-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku. Upon arrival at the courtyard of the Nomura Building, the Vice President was welcomed by Pasona O2 President Yasuyuki Nambu, Senior Managing Director Junko Fukuzawa, Executive Director Yoshihisa Endo, and the staff of Pasona O2.

During the visit, the Vice President listened attentively to the explanation given by President Yasuyuki Nambu. He explained that the establishment of Pasona O2 aimed to attract young people to pursue careers in agriculture.

The agricultural system developed at Pasona O2 uses hydroponic methods and lighting from Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lamps, and high-pressure sodium vapor lamps, combined with automated temperature control. Vegetables produced outside the city require considerable transportation time and often lose freshness. In contrast, vegetables grown here can be consumed while still fresh, reportedly containing up to ten times more nutritional value compared to those produced elsewhere.

When the Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, asked whether agricultural products using this technique could already be commercialized, the President of Pasona O2, Yasuyuki Nambu, replied that rice production had not yet reached commercial scale. However, using this method they were able to harvest rice three times a year, whereas with conventional outdoor farming they could harvest only once annually, at the end of summer.

In Japan, vegetables grown using hydroponic methods combined with artificial lighting have already been commercialized. Although vegetables cultivated indoors are slightly more expensive, consumers favor these technologically produced crops because of their high quality and safety for consumption.

Mr. Nambu proudly noted that former Prime Ministers Junichiro Koizumi and Yasuo Fukuda had visited Pasona O2. He also explained that, according to astronauts, this technology could potentially be developed for application in outer space, allowing astronauts to eat fresh vegetables rather than preserved food. Furthermore, this method could open possibilities for establishing agriculture in desert regions.

On that occasion, the Vice President graciously picked a ripe red tomato. Although a harvesting tool had been prepared for him, he chose to pluck it directly with his fingers and immediately tasted it. “It tastes good,” he remarked. When a photojournalist pointed out a smaller yellow tomato, the Vice President swiftly picked and ate it as well. “This one tastes even better—the yellow ones are indeed delicious,” he said, prompting cheerful laughter from the visitors.

The President of Pasona O2, Yasuyuki Nambu, explained his future plans, stating that Pasona O2 was designing a new agricultural facility covering 18,000 square meters, equipped with more advanced technology that would allow people to enjoy fresh produce directly while working. He emphasized that, dressed in a suit and tie, one could easily engage in agricultural activities—as long as the necessary facilities and infrastructure were supported by cutting-edge technology.

He added that Pasona O2 had successfully attracted many young people to work in agriculture using modern technological approaches. It is hoped that this initiative would help Japan increase its food self-sufficiency rate from 40% to 55%, thereby reducing dependence on imported agricultural products.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that Indonesia is fortunate to have vast and fertile land with abundant sunlight. Alhamdulillah, Indonesia has now achieved self-sufficiency in rice, corn, and consumer sugar. This achievement, he noted, must be maintained and further developed through the adoption of more advanced technologies.

 

Source:
Jurnal Atani Tokyo, posted on February 1, 2009. https://atanitokyo.blogspot.com/2009/02/wapres-jusuf-kalla-petik-tomat-merah.html

#JusufKalla

#PasonaO2

#UrbanFarming

#Hydroponics

#FoodInnovation

1.3 Billion Tons of Food Wasted! While the World Feasts, Millions Still Go Hungry

 

While hundreds of millions of people go to bed hungry, billions of tons of food end up in the trash. Every bite wasted is not just leftover food—it is a symbol of global food inequality that we continue to ignore.

Why Every Grain of Food Matters

Imagine if every piece of food produced in the world were fully utilized. Unfortunately, reality tells a different story. According to global reports from United Nations agencies, approximately 1.3 billion tons of edible food are wasted every year—about one-third of total global food production.

At the same time, hundreds of millions of people face hunger and food insecurity every day.

A global campaign by the World Food Programme highlights this painful paradox: enough food is lost or wasted annually to feed everyone on the planet—yet one in nine people still goes to bed hungry each night.

Food waste is not merely an unpleasant sight. It has serious consequences for:

1. Global Food Security

Wasted food reduces the supply available for those who need it most.

2. The Environment

Discarded food wastes precious natural resources such as water, energy, and land. It also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes in landfills.

3. Household and Community Economies

Every portion thrown away represents money, labor, and resources wasted.

Stop Wasting Food—Start Today!

Major change can begin with small actions at home. Here are simple steps we can take:

1. Buy Smaller Portions

Many of us purchase or serve more food than we can finish. Choosing portions that match actual needs directly reduces leftovers.

2. Finish What’s on Your Plate

Practice mindful eating. When food ends up in the trash, we also discard the energy, cost, and resources used to produce it.

3. Share Excess Food

If you have extra food, share it with neighbors, friends, or those in need. A simple act of sharing not only reduces waste but strengthens social bonds and helps fight hunger in our communities.

More Than Just Saving Food

Reducing food waste is not merely about efficiency—it is an expression of empathy and solidarity in a world where unequal access to food remains a serious challenge.

Imagine if every household and community committed to managing food more wisely. The impact would not only reduce waste but also help millions gain access to the nourishment they need every day.

Remember: every action we take, no matter how small, carries powerful collective energy—especially when done together.

References

• Global food waste: approximately 1.3 billion tons of food wasted annually—equal to one-third of global food production.
• The World Food Programme campaign emphasizes that enough food is lost or wasted each year to feed the world’s population, yet one in nine people still experiences hunger.

 

#StopFoodWaste

#FoodSecurity

#ZeroHunger

#SustainableLiving

#EndHunger

Dari Bukittinggi ke Dunia! Prof. Aisjah Girindra, Ilmuwan Indonesia yang Mengubah Standar Sertifikasi Halal Global

 

Setiap kali kita melihat label halal pada produk makanan—di Jakarta, London, New York, hingga berbagai kota besar dunia—sesungguhnya ada jejak pemikiran besar seorang ilmuwan Indonesia di balik sistem yang menjaminnya. Ia adalah Prof. Dr. Aisjah Girindra, akademisi dan biokimiawan asal Bukittinggi yang dikenal luas sebagai pelopor sistem sertifikasi halal berbasis sains di Indonesia dan tingkat global.

Lahir di Bukittinggi, Sumatera Barat, pada 7 Oktober 1935, Prof. Aisjah mengabdikan hidupnya untuk menjembatani sains modern dan prinsip syariat Islam dalam sistem yang terstruktur, terukur, dan dapat diaudit secara ilmiah.

 

Pionir Akademik di IPB University

Dalam sejarah pendidikan tinggi Indonesia, Prof. Aisjah tercatat sebagai doktor perempuan pertama di lingkungan IPB. Ia meraih gelar Doktor dalam bidang Biokimia Pertanian pada tahun 1973, pada masa ketika dunia akademik—terutama di bidang sains—masih sangat didominasi laki-laki.

Sebagai akademisi, ia berperan besar dalam pengembangan keilmuan biokimia dan bioteknologi di IPB. Ia turut merintis dan mengembangkan Program Studi Biokimia yang kemudian menjadi salah satu bidang unggulan dalam rumpun ilmu hayati dan teknologi pangan di Indonesia. Kiprahnya tidak hanya membangun kapasitas akademik, tetapi juga memperkuat fondasi sains yang kelak menjadi basis sistem sertifikasi halal modern.

Atas kontribusinya, nama beliau diabadikan dalam berbagai catatan sejarah IPB sebagai salah satu tokoh perempuan pelopor di bidang sains dan pendidikan tinggi.

 

Arsitek Sistem Sertifikasi Halal Modern di LPPOM MUI

Peran monumental Prof. Aisjah dimulai ketika ia dipercaya memimpin LPPOM MUI (Lembaga Pengkajian Pangan, Obat-obatan, dan Kosmetika Majelis Ulama Indonesia) pada awal 1990-an. Ia menjabat sebagai Direktur LPPOM MUI sejak 1993.

Di tangannya, sertifikasi halal tidak lagi dipahami sekadar sebagai fatwa administratif, tetapi dikembangkan menjadi sistem audit berbasis sains dan manajemen mutu. Ia memperkenalkan pendekatan laboratorium untuk:

• Deteksi kandungan bahan non-halal berbasis analisis biokimia.
• Audit rantai pasok dan proses produksi.
• Standarisasi dokumentasi dan sistem jaminan halal di industri.

Konsep Sistem Jaminan Halal (SJH) yang dikembangkan LPPOM MUI menjadi model yang kemudian diadopsi dan diadaptasi oleh berbagai negara. Sistem ini mensyaratkan audit menyeluruh, pelacakan bahan baku, serta pengujian laboratorium yang ketat—sebuah terobosan yang mengawinkan sains, teknologi, dan fikih secara sistematis.

Model ini pula yang kemudian menjadi salah satu referensi dalam pengembangan regulasi halal nasional, termasuk dalam pembentukan Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) pasca terbitnya Undang-Undang Jaminan Produk Halal.

 

Diplomasi Halal Global: World Halal Council

Kesadaran bahwa umat Muslim tersebar di berbagai belahan dunia mendorong Prof. Aisjah memperluas cakrawala perjuangannya. Pada tahun 1999, ia memprakarsai berdirinya World Halal Council (WHC), yang kemudian dikenal sebagai World Halal Food Council (WHFC).

Sebagai Presiden pertama organisasi tersebut, ia berperan dalam:

• Menyatukan berbagai lembaga sertifikasi halal dari berbagai negara.
• Mendorong harmonisasi standar audit halal internasional.
• Memperkuat pengakuan timbal balik (mutual recognition) antar lembaga halal dunia.

Kehadiran WHC menjadikan Indonesia sebagai salah satu pusat diskursus halal global, dan Jakarta sempat menjadi pusat koordinasi organisasi tersebut. Langkah ini memperkuat posisi Indonesia dalam diplomasi halal internasional dan industri halal global.

 

Kontribusi terhadap Industri Pangan dan Farmasi

Perjuangan Prof. Aisjah turut mendorong perubahan perilaku industri pangan, farmasi, dan kosmetika. Dengan sistem audit ilmiah yang ketat, produsen tidak lagi hanya mempertimbangkan aspek rasa dan keamanan pangan, tetapi juga:

• Kejelasan sumber bahan baku (traceability).
• Validasi ilmiah terhadap klaim kehalalan.
• Transparansi proses produksi.

Pendekatan berbasis sains ini sejalan dengan pengawasan pangan dan obat yang dilakukan oleh Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM), terutama dalam aspek keamanan, mutu, dan kepatuhan standar produksi. Meskipun fungsi halal dan keamanan pangan berbeda secara regulatif, keduanya saling melengkapi dalam perlindungan konsumen.

 

Pengakuan dan Warisan Intelektual

Atas dedikasinya, Prof. Aisjah menerima berbagai penghargaan nasional di bidang ilmu pengetahuan dan pengabdian masyarakat. Kiprahnya juga sering dirujuk dalam berbagai publikasi akademik dan kebijakan terkait pengembangan industri halal nasional.

Semangatnya selaras dengan visi penguatan riset dan inovasi nasional yang selama ini didorong oleh kementerian yang dahulu dikenal sebagai Kementerian Riset, Teknologi, dan Pendidikan Tinggi (Menristek Dikti), khususnya dalam integrasi riset dengan kebutuhan industri dan masyarakat.

Prof. Aisjah wafat pada 2015, namun sistem yang ia bangun tetap hidup. Setiap label halal yang tercetak pada produk makanan, obat, atau kosmetik—baik di dalam maupun luar negeri—mencerminkan standar ilmiah yang ia rintis puluhan tahun lalu.

 

Teladan Ilmuwan Perempuan Indonesia

Prof. Dr. Aisjah Girindra adalah bukti bahwa:

• Sains dapat berjalan beriringan dengan nilai agama.
• Perempuan Indonesia mampu menjadi pelopor di panggung global.
• Integritas akademik dapat melahirkan perubahan sistemik yang berdampak lintas generasi.

Dari Bukittinggi ke panggung dunia, ia menunjukkan bahwa perlindungan konsumen Muslim tidak cukup dengan niat baik—tetapi harus dibangun dengan metodologi ilmiah yang kokoh, sistem yang transparan, dan kepemimpinan yang visioner.

Dunia industri halal global hari ini berdiri di atas fondasi yang turut ia bangun. Dan Indonesia patut berbangga memiliki seorang ilmuwan yang mengubah standar pangan dunia melalui perpaduan iman, ilmu, dan integritas.

 

DAFTAR PUSTAKA

1. IPB University.
   Arsip biografi dan sejarah akademik Prof. Dr. Aisjah Girindra.
   Bogor: IPB University. (Dokumentasi internal dan publikasi resmi IPB tentang doktor perempuan pertama dan pengembangan Biokimia di IPB).
2. LPPOM MUI.
   Sejarah dan perkembangan Sistem Jaminan Halal (SJH).
   Jakarta: LPPOM MUI.
   (Dokumen resmi tentang pembentukan LPPOM MUI tahun 1989 dan kepemimpinan Prof. Aisjah Girindra sejak 1993).
3. Majelis Ulama Indonesia.
   Fatwa dan kebijakan sertifikasi halal di Indonesia.
   Jakarta: MUI.
4. World Halal Council.
   Historical Background and International Recognition Framework.
   (Dokumentasi pendirian WHC tahun 1999 dan peran Indonesia sebagai inisiator).
5. Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH).
   Implementasi Undang-Undang Nomor 33 Tahun 2014 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal.
   Jakarta: Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia.
6. Republik Indonesia.
   Undang-Undang Nomor 33 Tahun 2014 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal.
7. Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM).
   Sistem Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan serta standar keamanan pangan nasional.
   Jakarta: BPOM RI.
8. Kementerian Riset, Teknologi, dan Pendidikan Tinggi (Menristek Dikti).
   Kebijakan penguatan riset dan inovasi nasional serta pengembangan pendidikan tinggi sains dan teknologi.
9. Buku dan Publikasi Ilmiah:
• Girindra, A. (berbagai publikasi di bidang biokimia dan keamanan pangan).
• Literatur tentang Sistem Jaminan Halal dan audit halal berbasis sains yang diterbitkan LPPOM MUI.
10. Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah (KNEKS).
    Laporan Perkembangan Industri Halal Global dan Posisi Indonesia.

 

#AisjahGirindra
#SertifikasiHalal
#IndustriHalalGlobal
#IPBUniversity
#HalalIndonesia

The Benefits of the WTO Bali Package for Indonesian Agriculture

 

The Ninth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on Saturday, 7 December 2013. The outcome of the conference in Bali helped ease the growing sense of frustration after years of WTO meetings had failed to produce meaningful agreements. Since the launch of the Doha Round in 2001 in Doha, negotiations had made little progress.

The beauty and warm atmosphere of Bali seemed to encourage delegates to engage in mutual compromise, ultimately leading to agreement. The outcome of the WTO Conference in Bali, known as the Bali Package, was warmly welcomed by participating countries with diverse economic development ideologies.

The Doha Round, also referred to as the Doha Development Agenda, was intended to establish a single set of rules applicable to 159 WTO member countries in various areas, such as reducing import tariffs, cutting trade-distorting agricultural subsidies, and creating standardized customs procedures. With uniform rules agreed upon and implemented, the movement of goods across borders was expected to become smoother and global trade to grow more rapidly. The underlying premise of the Doha Round was that if all countries adhered to the same trade rules, all—both developed and developing nations—would benefit. Expanding trade was expected to generate more business opportunities and create broader employment prospects.

In practice, however, many countries felt that freer trade had not delivered the expected benefits. Although trade volumes and values increased significantly, the distribution of its benefits was widely perceived as inequitable. This issue of fairness became a central source of criticism voiced by many groups outside WTO conference halls. In his opening remarks at the Bali Conference, the President of Indonesia emphasized the need for trade that ensures fairness for all.

The issue of fairness had long been a major obstacle to reaching agreements in previous WTO conferences and may continue to be so in the future. The lack of significant progress in the Doha negotiations prompted many countries to pursue bilateral and regional trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and various free trade arrangements between the United States and the European Union. Therefore, the agreement reached at the Bali Conference was viewed as an important milestone in advancing the Doha Development Agenda and preserving the WTO’s relevance as a multilateral trade institution.

The Bali Package consists of ten documents covering trade facilitation, agriculture, and development issues. It provides policy space and flexibility for developing countries to manage their food security programs. For Indonesia, the Bali Package does not hinder ongoing food security and agricultural development policies. The maximum subsidy of 10 percent of total food production for public stockholding—one of the most debated issues in Bali—has never been exceeded by Indonesia. Improvements in customs procedures outlined in the Bali Package have also long been part of Indonesia’s reform agenda, aimed not only at facilitating trade flows but also at reducing corruption and illegal levies in customs administration.

The Indonesian government remains firm in positioning agriculture as a strategic sector in national development. Agriculture continues to provide livelihoods for the majority of Indonesia’s workforce, and many farmers still require improved living standards. Indonesia has also experienced the adverse effects of sharp food price spikes, which reduce purchasing power, fuel inflation, and create social and political tensions. Increasingly unpredictable climate conditions heighten production and price risks, making Indonesia’s food security vulnerable if it relies solely on international markets.

Maintaining national food stocks is therefore essential—not only for food security but also for poverty alleviation programs and disaster response. These considerations have consistently shaped Indonesia’s stance in WTO forums. At the Bali Conference, Indonesia, together with other developing countries, continued to advocate for agricultural subsidies.

For Indonesia, the Bali Package is not the end but the beginning of stronger efforts to enhance agricultural competitiveness, national food security, and farmers’ welfare. Price subsidies and support measures are short-term policies that can boost production and farmers’ incomes. However, they are often unsustainable and may create new inequities due to poor targeting. Price-based policies frequently face budgetary and timing constraints, reducing their effectiveness. They may also create conflicts between producers and consumers: raising prices to support farmers can increase consumer prices, while lowering consumer prices may depress farm-gate prices.

Sustainable agricultural development depends on policies that consistently improve farmers’ welfare. Investments in rural infrastructure, irrigation, marketing institutions, access to inputs, land and capital, improved seeds, and better cultivation techniques are essential public responsibilities. Governments at all levels must ensure steady growth in agricultural productivity. Agricultural expansion should not rely solely on land in Java; crop breeding and agro-ecology–appropriate technologies are needed across regions.

While price and subsidy policies tend to show quicker results and are widely used globally, they can distort markets and have socioeconomic drawbacks. In contrast, non-price policies—such as irrigation, institutional reform, and technological innovation—require long-term consistency and persistence before tangible results are realized. Indonesia’s challenge lies in maintaining such consistency across administrations and generations.

The journey of the Doha Round, of which the Bali Package is a part, is likely to remain lengthy and uncertain. Nevertheless, efforts to improve farmers’ welfare must continue and cannot wait for the conclusion of the Doha negotiations.

Agriculture was arguably the central issue at the Bali Ministerial Conference, particularly the proposal of the G-33 group concerning public stockholding for food security and flexibility in subsidies for poor farmers. Developed countries engaged in discussions on one of the three core agricultural negotiation pillars: domestic support (the other two being market access and export subsidies).

The success of the G-33 in securing a “peace clause” in the Bali Package was significant. While not a permanent solution, it allowed developing countries temporary protection. Under this clause, developing countries providing domestic support beyond the 10 percent ceiling agreed upon in the Uruguay Round (1986–1994) would not be challenged under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism for a limited period.

Although concerns were raised about potential market distortions—particularly if public food stocks inadvertently entered international markets—the agreement provides Indonesia with safeguards. It helps ensure that subsidy policies of other countries, such as Malaysia’s Bernas and India’s Food Corporation, do not distort Indonesia’s domestic market or undermine its food security policies. At the same time, it provides Indonesia with policy space to maintain subsidies, provided they do not distort other countries’ markets.

 

Resources:

1.      Thehe WTO Bali Package and Its Relevance to Indonesian Agriculture
By Harianto, Special Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Food and Energy
(http://www.setkab.go.id/artikel-11423-paket-bali-wto-dan-relevansinya-bagi-pertanian-indonesia.html)

2.      The Bali Package and Its Benefits for Indonesia
By Iman Pambagyo (Kompas, January 10, page 7)

 

#BaliPackageWTO
#IndonesianAgriculture
#FoodSecurity
#AgriculturalSubsidies
#InternationalTrade

 

Nipah Virus Alert: Is Indonesia Truly Prepared for the Next Deadly Zoonotic Threat?

 

POLICY BRIEF

PREPAREDNESS FOR THE THREAT OF NIPAH VIRUS OUTBREAK IN INDONESIA

 

Date: 4 February 2026
Issue: Public Health & Zoonotic Diseases
Approach: One Health (Human–Animal–Environment Health)

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The re-emergence of the Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak in India in early 2026 serves as an early warning signal for Asian countries, including Indonesia. With a very high human case fatality rate (40–75%), the absence of approved vaccines and specific treatments, and a transmission pattern involving human–animal–environment interactions, the Nipah virus has the potential to cause significant health, social, and economic impacts if not systematically anticipated. Nipah is listed among the ten priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO).

For the Minister, Parliament (DPR), Regional Governments, and Veterinary Authorities, the Nipah virus must be positioned as a strategic national zoonotic health threat. Although human-to-human transmission remains relatively limited and far less efficient than COVID-19, the risk of sporadic cross-regional outbreaks remains real, particularly in densely populated areas, regions with intensive livestock activities, and areas in close proximity to wildlife habitats. This policy brief emphasizes the urgency of strengthening prevention policies, early detection systems, and cross-sector preparedness through a One Health approach.

 

BACKGROUND

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus of the genus Henipavirus that first caused a major outbreak in 1998 in Malaysia. The virus demonstrates strong tropism for the brain and lungs, potentially causing severe pneumonia and encephalitis. Involvement of the central nervous system may result in neurological disorders, including behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and seizures.

Its natural reservoir is fruit bats (Pteropus spp.), and transmission may occur through:

• Direct contact with fruit bats or their bodily fluids, particularly in inland areas of Kalimantan and Sumatra where bat populations are present.
• Consumption of contaminated food (e.g., raw date palm sap or unboiled fruit juice).
• Limited human-to-human transmission through close contact.

The recent outbreak in India reaffirms that Asia remains a high-risk region due to the presence of natural reservoirs, certain traditional food consumption practices, and high population density.

 

RISK ANALYSIS

1. Health Risk

Risk Description:
Very high fatality rate (40–75%) with predominance of severe neurological symptoms such as encephalitis.

Potential Impact:
High mortality, increased burden on health services, and limited intensive care capacity.

2. Preparedness Risk

Risk Description:
Limited rapid diagnostic capacity, including RT-PCR, ELISA, virus culture, and virus neutralization tests, particularly at field level and primary healthcare facilities. Availability of isolation rooms and intensive care units (ICUs) remains limited and requires strengthening.

Potential Impact:
Delayed early detection and outbreak response.

3. Socio-Economic Risk

Risk Description:
Potential public panic, travel and trade disruptions, and stigmatization of affected regions.

Potential Impact:
Economic losses, social instability, and declining public trust.

4. Cross-Sectoral Risk

Risk Description:
Strong interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health in Nipah virus transmission.

Potential Impact:
Failure of control efforts without effective cross-sector coordination.

 

POLICY OBJECTIVES

• Provide a strategic basis for Ministers and Parliament in establishing national policies and budget allocations related to high-risk zoonotic disease preparedness.
• Strengthen the role of Regional Governments in prevention, early detection, and initial response to potential Nipah virus cases.
• Optimize the function of Veterinary Authorities in animal disease surveillance, transmission risk control, and public health protection.
• Promote cross-sectoral and inter-regional coordination through the One Health approach.
• Protect the public through effective, proportionate, and evidence-based risk communication.

 

POLICY OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Integrated One Health Surveillance

Key Recommendations:
Integration of human–animal–environment surveillance; active monitoring of Nipah virus in bats and livestock; rapid cross-regional reporting.

Key Actors:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Regional Governments.

Strategic Benefits:
Early outbreak detection and prevention of cross-regional spread.

 

2. Health System Preparedness

Key Recommendations:
Strengthening laboratory capacity; training healthcare workers; implementation of standard precaution protocols.

Key Actors:
Ministry of Health, Referral Hospitals, Local Health Offices.

Strategic Benefits:
Rapid response and reduced risk of transmission in healthcare settings.

 

3. Environmental & Food Risk Control

Key Recommendations:
Public education on safe food consumption; safeguarding traditional food products; wildlife habitat management.

Key Actors:
Regional Governments, Food Authorities, Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Strategic Benefits:
Reduced risk of initial exposure from zoonotic sources.

 

4. Risk Communication & Public Education

Key Recommendations:
Accurate and proportionate information dissemination; engagement of community leaders and science-based media.

Key Actors:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communication and Information, Media.

Strategic Benefits:
Prevention of panic and improved public compliance.

 

5. Research & International Cooperation

Key Recommendations:
Support for therapeutic and vaccine research; regional data sharing and best practices exchange.

Key Actors:
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Partners.

Strategic Benefits:
Enhanced long-term preparedness and national capacity.

 

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

A purely reactive approach is insufficient to address the threat of Nipah virus. Sustained investment in zoonotic disease prevention, outbreak preparedness, and the One Health approach will provide long-term benefits in preventing future health crises.

 

CONCLUSION

The Nipah virus outbreak in India serves as an early warning for Indonesia. Although it is unlikely to become a global pandemic like COVID-19, its impact could be highly fatal and disruptive if not addressed seriously. Proactive, coordinated, and science-based policies are essential to protect public health and safeguard regional health security.

This policy brief is prepared as a reference for policymakers, health authorities, and cross-sector stakeholders to strengthen preparedness against high-risk zoonotic diseases, ensuring that Indonesia is better prepared than during the COVID-19 pandemic experience.

 

SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES & OFFICIAL REPORTS

1. WHO Report — Current Status of the Nipah Outbreak (30 January 2026)
• Two confirmed cases by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, India.
• More than 190 contacts tested negative, indicating the outbreak is contained.
• WHO assessed the risk as moderate at the sub-national level and low at national, regional, and global levels.
2. WHO Fact Sheet — Nipah Virus Key Facts (29 January 2026)
• Zoonotic virus of the genus Henipavirus, transmitted from animals (especially fruit bats) and between humans through close contact.
• Case fatality rate estimated at 40–75%.
• No approved vaccine or specific therapy to date; several treatment candidates are under development. Management remains supportive and symptomatic.
3. Media Report on WHO Response & Spread Risk (Reuters, 30 January 2026)
• WHO stated that the risk of spread from India is low and did not recommend travel or trade restrictions following two reported cases, although several neighboring countries enhanced airport screening as a precautionary measure.
4. Asia Situation & Country Responses (Qoo Media, 28 January 2026)
• Several Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and China, strengthened entry screening and surveillance after India confirmed two cases.

 

Source:

Pudjiatmoko. 4 February 2026. Policy Brief Kesiapsiagaan Menghadapi Ancaman Wabah Virus Nipah di Indonesia. Center for Strategic Development Studies (CSDS) – Management of Technology and Innovation (MITI)

#NipahVirus 

#OneHealth 

#ZoonoticThreat 

#PublicHealthPolicy 

#IndonesiaPreparedness