The acting governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, has publicly spoken out about the delay of the Wolbachia Mosquito Program, a strategy developed by the World Mosquito Program (WMP) at Monash University, Australia. This decision comes in the wake of community resistance and the need for further research.
“We recognize the need for more extensive socialization of the program. Given the mixed reactions from the community, we have decided that it is prudent to postpone the program to avoid social division,” said Mahendra Jaya at the Bali provincial DPRD office on Thursday (16/11). He expressed hope that with greater efforts from the program’s initiators, the community could accept the initiative, which has seen success in DI Jogjakarta province.
Bali Regional Secretary Dewa Made Indra added that they are waiting for a detailed investigation from the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). He acknowledged the program’s potential to significantly reduce the number of dengue fever cases in Denpasar city and other areas in Bali. “The application of this biotechnology shows promise in reducing cases of dengue fever. However, we are yet to have a comprehensive understanding of the Wolbachia method, especially as we address the public’s concerns,” Indra explained.
The Ministry of Health study is expected to assess the effectiveness of the Wolbachia mosquito program in reducing dengue cases and evaluate any potential risks of new diseases emerging. “We need scientific evidence to understand the full impact of this program, including any unintended consequences,” Indra stressed.
Indra also expressed his gratitude to those in the community who have critically engaged with the new program, highlighting its significance in protecting public health. The original plan was to release the Wolbachia-infused mosquitoes in Denpasar City on Monday (11/13). However, this program faced opposition, particularly from the Indonesian Hindu Coordination Center (Puskor Hindunesia), which called for its cancellation rather than postponement.
The Wolbachia method, which was successfully implemented in Yogyakarta, resulted in a 77% reduction in dengue cases and an 86% reduction in hospital admissions due to the disease. The technique involves releasing mosquitoes treated with Wolbachia bacteria, initially planned for Denpasar city and Buleleng regency in Bali.
Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara has also decided to wait for the Health Ministry’s recommendation before proceeding. “Given the substantial public feedback, we have postponed the release of the Wolbachia mosquito and will only move forward if we receive clear guidance from the Ministry of Health,” said Mayor Jaya Negara.
