Health Ministry: New COVID Variant 'Cicada' Not Found in Indonesia
Reporter
April 2, 2026 | 05:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the new COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, also known as "Cicada," has not been detected in Indonesia as of late March 2026. Aji Muhawarman, Head of the Ministry’s Public Communication and Information Bureau, stated that the variant is a descendant of Omicron BA.3 and has been designated a "Variant Under Monitoring" (VUM) by the WHO since December 2025.
He mentioned that there have been no indications of increased spread or clinical impact from the variant thus far. In a written statement on Thursday, April 2, 2026, he noted, "It has not shown increased circulation, and there is no data indicating increased severity, hospitalization, or death."
Aji also conveyed that, based on the WHO’s assessment, the public health risk from the BA.3.2 variant is categorized as low. Domestically, the Ministry of Health noted that the dominant variant at present is XFG at 57 percent, followed by LF.7 at 29 percent and XFG 3.4.3 at 14 percent. These three variants are also considered to pose a low risk.
With the situation remaining under control, Aji mentioned that the government has not yet implemented stricter measures at the country’s entry points. However, the Ministry of Health continues its surveillance through active monitoring, routine reporting from health facilities, and laboratory sample testing.
He also urged the public to continue practicing clean and healthy living behaviors. "The public is encouraged to adopt clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS): regularly wash hands with soap and running water, consume nutritious food, get enough rest, and wear a mask when sick or in crowded places," Aji added.
The Ministry of Health provides updated information on infectious diseases, which the public can access through the official health monitoring page at surkarkes.kemenkes.go.id/ringkasan-kasus/home.
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