Efforts to accelerate malaria elimination in Papua have entered a phase of heightened and more coordinated monitoring. As this region remains the highest contributor to malaria cases in Indonesia, a routine evaluation mechanism is essential to ensure that high-level commitments are translated into tangible field actions. Robust coordination between the Central Government and the six Provinces in Papua is the primary key to breaking the transmission chain and achieving national elimination targets.

This initiative follows directly from the High-Level Forum with the six Governors of Papua held during The 9th Asia Pacific Leaders’ Summit on Malaria Elimination in Bali in 2025. The summit underscored that malaria elimination is not merely a health target but a humanitarian mission requiring strong leadership from both regional and national levels.

In implementing this commitment, the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Ministry of Health RI organised the "Monthly Evaluation Meeting for the Acceleration of Malaria Elimination in Papua" on Monday, 2 February 2026. This virtual gathering brought together heads of Health Offices across Papua, development partners, and technical experts. During this evaluation forum, Iqbal Elyazar, Ph.D. attended as a malaria expert to provide data-driven reviews to support strategic decision-making at the regional level.

The meeting's primary agenda included reviewing monthly indicator achievements, identifying operational barriers in the field, and consolidating cross-sectoral roles. Furthermore, the session ensured that every regency and city receives the necessary technical support to align follow-up plans in addressing target gaps within high-endemic areas.

The active participation of academics and experts such as Iqbal Elyazar in this forum provides a strong evidence-based foundation for control efforts in Papua. Through this routine evaluation forum, it is expected that all obstacles can be promptly addressed, ensuring Papua reaches malaria elimination status while supporting the grand vision of a Malaria-Free Indonesia by 2030.