A Look at Indonesia’s Position in the Global Malaria Elimination Effort

MALARIA PERDHAKI–JAKARTA. The World Health Organization (WHO), in its World Malaria Report 2025, revealed that Indonesia remains one of the countries with a significant malaria burden in the South-East Asia Region.

Referring to the report published at the end of 2025, Indonesia has shown national progress in reducing the number of malaria cases. Nevertheless, the report emphasizes that malaria transmission remains heavily concentrated in the eastern regions, particularly Papua and South Papua, which serve as the epicenters of cases nationwide.

“Malaria case trends in Indonesia are primarily observed in remote eastern provinces, such as Papua and West Papua, influenced by population mobility, limited access to health services, and variations in vector control coverage, within a context of increased and expanded active case detection activities,” the report stated, Wednesday (11/2).

In the regional context, Indonesia is noted as a significant contributor to the total malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Geographic disparity remains a major challenge, as most parts of Indonesia have reached elimination or pre-elimination status, while remote areas with limited access to health services continue to experience sustained transmission. Difficult geographical conditions, population mobility, and limited health workforce capacity further compound the challenge.

WHO also highlights that vulnerable groups—including indigenous communities, migrant workers, and populations living far from health facilities—remain at high risk of malaria infection. In endemic areas, delays in diagnosis and treatment contribute to ongoing transmission and increase the risk of severe complications.

In terms of interventions, Indonesia is recognized for actively implementing community-based prevention strategies, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and strengthening the role of community health workers. However, the report stresses that the coverage and sustainability of these interventions need to be further improved to ensure equitable reach among all at-risk populations.

In response to these challenges, Malaria Perdhaki continues to play a role in malaria control and elimination efforts, particularly in Eastern Indonesia. Through community-based approaches and strengthening health services, Perdhaki reaches communities in remote areas that still face limited access to care.

One of Perdhaki’s main focuses is strengthening malaria cadres to support active case detection, promote early testing and treatment, and raise community awareness about malaria prevention. These efforts are reinforced through collaboration with local governments and relevant partners in health worker training, surveillance strengthening, and policy advocacy to accelerate sustainable malaria elimination.