Session Name: Infectious Diseases: Past, Present, and Future Challenges
Eradicating Rabies in Surabaya and Batavia 1879-1942: A Comparative History
Monday, July 29, 2024
14:00 – 15:45 (GMT+7)
Paper Abstract: In 1879, rabies was detected in Jawa. However, due to financial constraints, the Dutch East Indies government did not vaccinate animals believed to spread rabies, such as dogs, even though this was considered the most effective way to eradicate rabies at the time. Instead, the Dutch East Indies government opted for measures such as shooting stray dogs, imposing a dog tax, banning trade in animals from countries with high incidences of rabies, and other measures. This research examines how effective the measures taken by the Dutch East Indies government were in eradicating rabies, especially in Batavia and Surabaya. This research uses the historical method. The approach used is a comparative study. We conclude that the success of the Dutch East Indies government in eradicating rabies varied from city to city. In 1914, Surabaya was declared a rabies-free city, while Batavia was not. By 1942, Batavia was still not declared a rabies-free city. The success in eradicating rabies varied due to differences in the responsiveness of local authorities and the public's adherence to government regulations for preventing rabies.
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