The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia holds a meeting on the preparation of the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) on Accelerating Malaria Elimination in Tanah Papua on Friday, 7 August 2026. The meeting forms part of efforts to strengthen coordination across ministries and institutions in addressing the high malaria burden in Tanah Papua.

According to the Ministry of Health document, Indonesia records 706,297 malaria cases in 2025, with more than 95% of cases originating from Tanah Papua. This situation highlights the need for a more coordinated and comprehensive approach, not only through health interventions, but also by involving sectors that play roles in development, the environment, infrastructure, governance, and community empowerment.

The meeting takes place online via Zoom and involves representatives from several ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The discussion focuses on aligning the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of each ministry within the draft Presidential Instruction.

Also participates Dr. Iqbal Elyazar, who is invited as a malaria partner and expert. He is listed among the invited participants alongside malaria experts and representatives from UNICEF Indonesia, WHO Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Perdhaki.

The draft Presidential Instruction aims to clarify cross-sectoral roles, strengthen monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and integrate malaria elimination efforts into development planning and budgeting at both national and local levels. The meeting aims to produce a harmonised draft Presidential Instruction that is ready for further submission and approval.