In a decisive move to combat the resurgence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) among livestock, the Indonesian government has initiated the distribution of 124,225 vaccine doses in the first phase of its 2025 campaign. This effort is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Agriculture, which has allocated a total of four million doses to be disseminated across 25 provinces reporting FMD cases.

Agung Suganda, the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, emphasized the phased approach to vaccine distribution, tailored to the specific requests from provincial offices. The ministry's distribution schedule is ambitious: 400,000 doses in January, scaling up to 1.2 million doses in February, and an additional 400,000 doses in March. The remaining two million doses are earmarked for the second vaccination period, slated between July and September 2025.

To bolster domestic vaccine production, the Central Veterinary Drug Laboratory (Pusvetma) commenced local manufacturing in December 2024. This initiative not only ensures a steady supply of vaccines but also enhances Indonesia's self-reliance in managing livestock health crises. In the same month, the ministry distributed 51,200 doses obtained through donations to eight provinces, supplementing the 65,000 doses already allocated to various regions.

The establishment of the National FMD Task Force further underscores the government's commitment to eradicating the disease. This task force, comprising various farmers' associations and professional groups, is dedicated to ensuring collaboration and synergy in harmonizing FMD control down to the regional level.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent data from the National Animal Health Information System (iSIKHNAS), which recorded at least 4,000 FMD cases in Indonesia between December 9, 2024, and January 9, 2025.

The Ministry of Agriculture's comprehensive vaccination strategy is anticipated to yield significant benefits, including enhanced livestock health, increased productivity, and strengthened food security. By proactively addressing the FMD outbreak, Indonesia aims to safeguard its agricultural sector and ensure the well-being of communities dependent on livestock farming.