ABSTRACT
This article aims to reconstruct the history of the spread of the bubonic plague in Malang in the early twentieth century, as well as its reflection on the spread of the current pandemic. Medical and mitigation measures were taken by the Dutch East Indies colonial government in dealing with bubonic plague in Malang. Likewise, medical policies and treatment are implemented by the government of the Republic of Indonesia, especially local governments in dealing with pandemics. There are some patterns that emerge and recur in the attitude of the government and society in responding to the two outbreaks. Presumably, these patterns can be taken into consideration for policy holders and the affected community in general in dealing with disease outbreaks.
