The emergence of Plasmodium knowlesi as a zoonotic malaria parasite presents a new challenge for malaria elimination targets in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia. Given its transmission characteristics involving primate hosts and specific mosquito vectors in forested areas, a more specialised and standardised surveillance system is required. This step is crucial to ensure accurate early detection and rapid response to prevent the spread of cases in high-risk areas.

Indonesia is currently finalising national guidelines for P. knowlesi surveillance, which will be integrated into the national Malaria Surveillance Information System (SISMAL). Strengthening laboratory capacity at the subnational level and standardising reporting protocols are primary focuses to ensure that the resulting data is highly valid and supports precise decision-making in the field.

To reinforce this strategy, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with APMEN and partner universities, organised a "Technical Exchange on Zoonotic Malaria Surveillance Between Indonesia and Malaysia" from 15-17 April 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event brought together national and regional programme managers, laboratory experts, and researchers from both countries. During this technical exchange, Dr. Iqbal Elyazar attended as a malaria expert to provide epidemiological perspectives and technical input for developing adaptive and robust surveillance modules.

The activity focused on sharing practical experiences in case management, molecular diagnostic techniques, and spatial risk mapping strategies. The synergy between government policy and scientific expertise from specialists like Dr. Iqbal Elyazar is expected to accelerate the refinement of national guidelines, providing Indonesia with a more resilient defence against zoonotic malaria threats towards the 2030 elimination target.