Latest Serological Survey: 99% of Indonesia's Population Possesses Covid-19 Antibodies

The Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK) of the Ministry of Health reported the results of a serological survey of Covid-19 antibodies as of January 2023. The results show an increase in Covid-19 antibodies in the Indonesian population to 99% during that period. This figure is higher than the two previous surveys.

Head of BKPK, Syarifah Liza Munira, stated that Indonesians who completed their vaccination status within the past year, especially the booster vaccine, had almost three times the antibody levels compared to those who did not update their vaccination status.

“From the results of the series of surveys in January 2023, we see the main point: the proportion of the population with SARS-CoV-2 immunity has increased to 99%. The proportion of the population in July last year was around 98.5%. So it remains high,” said Head of BKPK Syarifah Liza Munira, as quoted from SehatNegeriku, Friday (3/2/2023).

A significant increase is also seen when compared to December 2021, where the proportion of Covid-19 antibodies in the Indonesian population at that time only reached 87.8%.

Liza stated that the level of Covid-19 antibodies in the national population also increased to 3,207 units/ml in January 2023. This figure increased from 2,095 units/ml in July 2022 and from 448 units/ml in December 2021.

Therefore, according to Liza, it is important for all Indonesian people to complete their Covid-19 vaccination, including the booster. “Even though the results of this survey show that the immunity condition of the Indonesian population is good, we still need to emphasize and complete our vaccination status (population),” said Liza.

This survey was conducted by the Ministry of Health together with the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia. The survey was conducted on 16,286 respondents in 34 provinces and 99 regencies/cities.

The respondents selected were the same respondents as the previous sero-survey studies in July 2022 and December 2021. The selection of the same respondents aims to observe the changes in antibody levels from December 2021 to January 2023.