Papua Becomes Epicenter of Malaria: UGM Urges Ministry of Health to Prioritize Response
World Malaria Day is commemorated annually on April 25 to remind the global community that malaria remains a serious public health threat. Although malaria cases in several regions of Indonesia have declined, the trend over the past two years has shown a worrying increase. In 2024, national malaria cases were estimated to reach nearly one million, a sign that elimination efforts have yet to succeed fully.
Professor E. Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati, a parasitology expert at the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) and a researcher at the UGM Center for Tropical Medicine (PKT UGM), explained that malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites enter the bloodstream and attack red blood cells, causing symptoms such as periodic fever, chills, headaches, and fatigue.
“Unlike Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue and are active during the day, Anopheles mosquitoes typically bite at night until early morning,” Professor Murhandarwati stated in a press release sent to journalists on Tuesday (April 29, 2025).
She emphasized that Eastern Indonesia, particularly Papua, remains the epicenter of malaria transmission in the country, accounting for approximately 91% of all national cases. She stressed that the Ministry of Health must prioritize malaria in Papua due to several compounding factors, including geographical conditions that support the breeding of Anopheles mosquitoes, such as dense forests, swamps, and natural pools of standing water, as well as limited access to healthcare services in remote areas. Additionally, the uneven distribution of medical personnel, logistical challenges, and high levels of unprotected outdoor activity significantly increase the risk of transmission.
In general, border areas are hotspots for malaria transmission. Therefore, PKT UGM, in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), is conducting operational research in the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border region. This research aims to identify key barriers and formulate evidence-based, practical solutions that both countries can implement to address these challenges. Cross-border efforts are essential in the fight against malaria.
“Imagine if one country is close to eliminating malaria, but its neighbor still has high case numbers,” Professor Murhandarwati explained.
This condition could result in so-called “imported cases,” making cross-border collaboration vital for sharing information and resources. For instance, countries can exchange case data, establish joint health posts at border areas, and implement early detection efforts to prevent rapid spread.
The research findings have been followed up through dissemination activities and joint task force meetings between the two nations. Three key interventions have been proposed: the development of a cross-border data dashboard, the strengthening of migration surveillance, and the formation of a joint malaria task force.
“This approach is an important strategy to strengthen coordination and communication between countries and ensure the sustainability of elimination efforts,” she said.
World Malaria Day 2025, Professor Murhandarwati continued, is a crucial moment to reinforce cross-sectoral collaboration among governments, researchers, and communities in pursuit of Indonesia’s target to eliminate malaria by 2030.
“Prevention, early detection, and cross-border cooperation are key to ending malaria, not only because it threatens public health, but also because it hampers social and economic development,” she concluded.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photograph: Freepik