Locations“Indonesia’s first regional dengue vaccination program shows how community trust and digital innovation can converge to save lives and strengthen health systems—starting in a classroom,”.
From Classrooms to Communities: How Digital Innovation is Transforming Health Systems in Indonesia
June 25, 2025
SMILE / UNDP
Balikpapan, East Kalimantan — The clock had just struck seven in the morning at SDN 005 Balikpapan. More than 30 children sat quietly in their classroom, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and anticipation. their eyes reflect a mix of curiosity and excitement—not for a math lesson, but for a historic public health milestone: Indonesia’s first regional dengue vaccination campaign.
For Principal Nanih, the moment was deeply personal. “Many parents were hesitant,” she shared. “They asked, ‘Why vaccinate if our children seem healthy?’ But we know dengue doesn’t wait for symptoms—it strikes without warning.”
Tracking and tracing to monitor vaccine distribution, administration, and utilization are essential to build public trust. Dengue vaccination is an additional program outside of routine national immunizations like Bulan Imunisasi Anak Sekolah (BIAS). For Principal Nanih, this was more than just an important step forward. “We want to make sure our children are protected, especially because dengue fever mortality rate in Balikpapan is high,” she said.
East Kalimantan is one of the five provinces in Indonesia with the highest number of dengue cases. Its tropical climate and rapid urbanization have contributed to the spread of Aedes Aegypti, a mosquito that transmits the dengue virus. In 2022, the province recorded 5,887 dengue cases and 39 deaths. While the number of cases declined to 3,067 in 2023, 14 lives were still lost.
Data shows that children aged 5 to 14 are the most vulnerable. That is why this first regional dengue vaccination campaign is focused on them, as a preventive step to protect not only their present but also their future. This campaign, therefore, wasn’t just a health intervention—it was a lifeline.
SMILE / UNDP
Beyond the Vaccines, How a Classroom Story Became a Model for Global Public Health
Successful vaccination isn't just about medical staff and vaccines. There's one critical component that often goes unnoticed: data. It is not measured only by the number of syringes used or doses delivered. It also hinges on the availability of accurate, real-time data to inform decisions, ensure accountability, and build public confidence. When health workers and decision-makers have access to real-time information—like how many people have been vaccinated, which areas still need coverage, or where supplies are running low—they can act quickly and smartly. This helps make sure vaccines go where they’re needed most, and that no community is left behind.
"The success of this program starts with an accountable information system," said Alwiaty, Head of the Balikpapan Health Office. Without a robust mechanism to track who received the vaccine, where, and when, the risk of missed doses or misinformation loomed large. "We need to know who has been vaccinated, who hasn’t, and ensure the quality of the vaccines. That's key to building public confidence," she continued.
This is where digital transformation makes the difference.
The SMILE (Sistem Monitoring Inventaris Logistik Elektronik) application has become a frontline tool, ensuring that accountability and transparency go hand in hand. Funded by GAVI and The Global Fund, and developed by UNDP Indonesia and the Ministry of Health, SMILE records vaccine recipients, tracks logistics distribution, and safeguards vaccine quality from storage to the hands of field workers.
For frontline health staff like Taty Wahyuningsih from the Klandasan Ilir Health Center, SMILE has made a tangible difference. “We used to rely on manual records for programs like this, and we were always worried about missing a child. Now, everything is recorded instantly in the system. With SMILE, we can easily follow up with anyone who hasn’t received their vaccination.” she said.
SMILE doesn’t just support operations in the field. It also enhances planning and evaluation at the city level. With real-time data, the Health Office can now track vaccine availability, identify coverage gaps, and reach underserved communities with greater precision.This improvement has been supported through technical expertise provided by UNDP, helping ensure the system meets the practical needs of health workers and decision-makers on the ground.
The success of the dengue vaccination in Balikpapan has already inspired interest beyond Indonesia. In a media interview, Yang Berhormat Puan Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Selangor’s State Executive Councilor for Public Health and Environment in Malaysia, praised the campaign and expressed interest in adapting Balikpapan’s approach.
“With nearly half of Malaysia's dengue cases occurring in Selangor, it puts significant pressure on our health system,” she said.
SMILE / UNDP
This shows that what began in a small classroom in Balikpapan can ripple outward, impacting regional strategies, saving lives, and offering a roadmap for others to follow.
At its core, SMILE reflects a broader truth: health systems become stronger when frontline workers are equipped with the tools and information they need to act effectively. This principle is central to UNDP’s work, advancing scalable, digital solutions that help countries respond to complex challenges and improve public service delivery.
“We are securing our future through the health of our children,” Nanih concluded. With the support of digital tools like SMILE, efforts like these are no longer one-off campaigns—they’re part of a stronger, more reliable health system that’s better prepared to protect communities now and in the years to come.
Written by: Noor Aspasia, Nur Khotimah, Vidia Darmawi