Towards a Malaria-Free Indonesia by 2030: Certification Mechanisms and the Strategy of Jayapura Regency

MALARIA PERDHAKI-SENTANI. Indonesia has set an ambitious target to achieve nationwide malaria elimination by 2030. This process is carried out in stages, where regions across Indonesia must first be certified malaria-free before national recognition is granted.

One region demonstrating strong commitment is Jayapura Regency, which—through the policy of Regent Mathius Awoitauw (2012–2017)—has targeted achieving malaria-free status by 2026.

Technically, malaria elimination is defined as efforts to halt local transmission within a specific area. This does not mean that the transmission vector disappears entirely, but rather that maximum efforts are made to eliminate new infection cases originating within the area.

If a region or country can demonstrate this, it will receive malaria elimination certification. The certification mechanism at the provincial and district/city levels is conducted through assessments by independent evaluation teams from the central level. This certification is an essential prerequisite before the World Health Organization (WHO) grants national recognition, which requires a country to have no proven local transmission cases for three consecutive years.

To achieve this target, the Government of Jayapura Regency has developed a systematic approach through Regent Regulation No. 11 of 2014, which was later elevated to a Regional Regulation. In its implementation, three phases of control policy have been established: the intensification phase (2010–2016), the pre-elimination phase (2017–2023), and finally the consolidation phase (2024–2026).

As we enter 2026, we stand on the threshold of proving a long-standing commitment. As the final year of consolidation, this is a decisive moment to ensure that all systems function optimally. It is hoped that the target set by the Government of Jayapura Regency will truly be realized and become a meaningful milestone for public health.

Let us extend our support and appreciation to all health workers on the front lines. Ultimately, Indonesia’s success in achieving malaria elimination by 2030 will be the result of many small victories accomplished by each of its regions.