Across Indonesia, the success of immunization efforts rests not just on policies and programmes but on the dedication of individuals working at the community level. In both remote villages and busy urban centres, local champions are transforming resistance into resilience, ensuring that children receive life-saving vaccines and that families trust the health system.
The stories of Jubelina Tokoro from Jayapura District, Papua, and Ibu Isnaini Desy Arisandy from Palembang, South Sumatra, highlight how grassroots leadership is shaping healthier communities.
In Desa Bambar, Jayapura District, the day begins early for Jubelina Tokoro. As a TP-PKK cadre – a volunteer part of Indonesia’s Family Welfare Movement – she takes her role seriously. Alongside nine other cadres, Jubelina is the link between formal health care services and her community.
Jubelina Tokoro provided immunization services in Bambar Village, in Jayapura District. (WHO/Ariful)
She’s busiest at the beginning of each month, calling parents early in the morning to remind them to bring their children to the local integrated health post (posyandu).
Once at the posyandu, Jubelina greets families with a smile. She carefully checks the health record books, measures children’s height and weight, and guides parents through the vaccination process.
But she also takes time to talk, sharing practical advice on nutrition, hygiene and childcare practices to empower parents to keep their children healthy long after the visit.
Not every family is immediately receptive. Misinformation and fears about vaccines can discourage some parents from bringing their children. That’s when Jubelina follows up with families who miss appointments, calling or even visiting their homes to offer reassurance. As a familiar, trusted face from within the community, her voice carries weight.
Thousands of kilometres away in Palembang, South Sumatra, Ibu Isnaini Desy Arisandy faces similar challenges, though on a larger, more urban scale.
As the Immunization Coordinator at Kenten Puskesmas, she saw firsthand how deeply vaccine hesitancy could take root. During the school-based Bulan Imunisasi Anak Sekolah (BIAS) campaign in November 2024, more than half of the parents at one school in the area refused to give consent for their children’s vaccines.
Rumours and misinformation – often spread on social media – had sown seeds of fear.
Recognizing that facts alone were not enough, Ibu Isnaini focused on building trust. She worked closely with school leaders, engaging them regularly and involving them in discussions about immunization. Over time, the school staff – once unsure themselves – became advocates, helping to spread positive messages and calm parental concerns.
Interaction with the staff at school MI Adabiyah 1 during a supportive supervision visit for BIAS, Kota Palembang, South Sumatra province. (WHO/Javvad)
Ibu Isnaini’s approach was rooted in the same principle as Jubelina’s: People are more likely to listen when the message comes from someone they know and trust.
Both women also understood the importance of using technology to stay connected. In Desa Bambar, Jubelina and her fellow cadres maintain a WhatsApp group to keep parents updated on vaccination schedules and answer questions. In Palembang, Ibu Isnaini tapped into social media platforms, tailoring content to counter misinformation and encourage dialogue.
Their experiences offer valuable lessons for Indonesia’s broader immunization strategy. Identifying and supporting local champions – whether they are TP-PKK cadres in remote villages or health coordinators in urban centres – is critical for promoting trust and acceptance.
As together, the Indonesian Ministry of Health and World Health Organization work to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases, building on these grassroots efforts will be crucial to reaching every child.
Both Jubelina Tokoro and Ibu Isnaini Desy Arisandy show us that change happens one conversation at a time, one family at a time.
Written by Ariful Islam and Javvad Suri, International Consultants for the Indonesia Polio Outbreak Response, WHO Indonesia