Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesia has detected 62 laboratory-confirmed cases of so-called “superflu,” but Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said on Thursday (8/1/2026) that  the situation remains within safe limits and poses no serious public health threat.

He explained that the cases involve Influenza A (H3N2), a common seasonal flu strain that has circulated globally for years. 

“This is a regular influenza virus and not deadly like COVID-19,” he said after inspecting a free nutrition program at a Jakarta vocational school, as reported by antaranews.com

Benjamin explained that flu cases typically rise during seasonal transitions but have declined significantly over the past two months in Indonesia. He added that existing influenza vaccines remain effective against the detected strain.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin previously stressed that H3N2 should not cause public alarm, noting it behaves like ordinary flu and is manageable with standard prevention measures.

Authorities advised the public to stay vigilant by maintaining good immunity, getting adequate rest, exercising regularly, and seeking medical care if symptoms worsen.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)