South Tangerang, FIKES Online News – Group 14 of the Field Learning Experience (PBL) program from the Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, successfully conducted a health intervention program titled SIGER TBC (Serpong Initiative for the Tuberculosis Movement). Themed "AWARE: Citizen Action to Overcome, Respond to, and Eliminate Tuberculosis," the activity took place at the Community Hall of RT 07/002, Serpong Village, on Monday (February 2, 2026).

This program was motivated by South Tangerang City's status as a "red zone" on the TB distribution map in Indonesia. A previous Rapid Epidemiology Survey (SCE) found that 52.9% of residents of RW 02 had poor knowledge about TB, and 62.75% still held a negative stigma about the disease.

The Chief Executive of SIGER TBC, Meilani Dwiky Nurzahwa, emphasized that this education is crucial for changing the public's paradigm. "This activity is being carried out to help the public not avoid TB patients and to provide a better understanding of TB," she said. Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Narila Mutia Nasir, SKM, MKM, Ph.D., a Supervising Lecturer at the PBL 14 Serpong II Faculty, emphasized that TB sufferers can recover completely. "TB sufferers should not be shunned because basically all sufferers can recover. Therefore, let's eliminate the stigma against them," she urged.

Recognizing the Dangers and Breaking the Chain of Transmission: In her presentation, she explained that TB bacteria are transmitted through the air via droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A single cough can produce up to 3,000 droplets that can remain airborne for up to four hours. The public was also encouraged to understand the principle of TOSS TB (Find sufferers as early as possible, Treat with TB drugs until cured). TB treatment is available free of charge at community health centers (Puskesmas), but must be taken regularly for at least six months without interruption. The Strategic Role of Health Cadres and Community Enthusiasm: One key point of this program is the empowerment of Serpong Village health cadres as the spearhead of case monitoring. Cadres are tasked with encouraging residents with symptoms to seek medical attention at the Puskesmas and providing moral support to those with TB. The TB Officer at Serpong II Community Health Center reminded, "Stay away from the disease, don't stay away from the person."

This activity received a very positive response from residents. One participant expressed her gratitude for the knowledge gained. "This activity is great. I understand more about TB, so I can take better care of my family. Great job, students. Good luck, Miss," she said enthusiastically.

In addition to receiving education, the 80 participants also received hygiene kits containing soap, educational leaflets, and a TB prevention calendar. Through SIGER TBC, it is hoped that residents of RW 02, Serpong Village, will become more vigilant and able to create a healthy environment without stigma for TB sufferers. (PBL Group 14)