Control Measures For Malaria-Free Indonesia by 2030

MALARIA PERDHAKI—JAKARTA. The Indonesian government has set a target to eliminate malaria by 2030. According to data through July 2026, a total of 414 cities have achieved malaria elimination.

Elimination certification is granted when there is no local transmission, surveillance is conducted continuously, and the rate of positive test results does not exceed 5 percent for three consecutive years.

However, elimination status does not mean an area is entirely free from the risk of malaria. Ms. Risalia Reni Arisanti, a researcher at the Centre for Tropical Medicine at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and a lecturer at UGM's Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK), cautioned that areas that have achieved elimination can still experience a resurgence of cases, as quoted by Star Jogja FM.

As of July 2026, Indonesia has recorded 346,866 malaria cases, still concentrated in several regions of Eastern Indonesia, including Papua, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) — particularly Sumba Island — and parts of Maluku.

"More than 90 percent of cases originate from the Papua region," said Ms. Santi.

To meet the 2030 target, control efforts must be focused on high-burden areas. People travelling from endemic regions are advised to seek early detection without waiting for symptoms to appear. Testing can be carried out through rapid tests or microscopic examination.

A negative initial test result does not guarantee that a person is free of malaria, as symptoms may emerge seven to 14 days after infection.

"If you've just returned from an endemic area, don't feel safe simply because your initial test came back negative. You still need to be monitored," Ms. Santi explained.

Beyond early detection and treatment, malaria elimination must be addressed at its roots through preventive measures. In general, there are three approaches to malaria vector control: eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, introducing larval predators, and avoiding mosquito bites.

First, the environment must be cleared of mosquito breeding sites. This can be achieved through community-led gotong royong (cooperative work) efforts to drain stagnant water, clean waterways, and remove algae from springs and lakes.

Second, the malaria mosquito population can be suppressed by introducing larval predators and larvicides into rivers, ponds, and other bodies of standing water. Plants such as torch ginger (kecombrang), lemongrass, and lavender have also proven effective at repelling mosquitoes.

Third, mosquito bites can be avoided by sleeping under bed nets, using insect repellent, and wearing clothing that covers the body when outdoors at night. The house conditions also warrant attention, such as by installing wire mesh screens on ventilation openings and keeping livestock enclosures away from living areas.

(Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash)