RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara - The Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN Authority) is empowering community health cadres as the first line of defense in controlling malaria and dengue fever in Indonesia’s future capital. This effort reflects a broader shift toward community-based public health strategies.

Through a training program held in the core government area on Thursday, 9 April 2026, participants from residential management and occupational safety teams are being prepared as health cadres. They are expected to operate within their respective work environments.

These cadres will focus on public education, environmental control, and disease prevention measures. Priority is placed on high-risk areas such as construction sites and worker housing.

Director of Basic Services of the IKN Authority, Suwito, emphasized that disease control cannot rely solely on the health sector. He stressed the importance of strong community involvement in prevention efforts.

“Malaria and dengue control cannot be carried out by the health sector alone. Community participation is the key,” he stated.

He explained that malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, while dengue is spread by Aedes aegypti. Controlling these vectors is essential to stopping disease transmission.

“If the vectors can be controlled, transmission can be prevented,” he added.

Suwito noted that there is currently no local malaria transmission in the core government area. However, dengue remains a major challenge that demands ongoing vigilance.

The authority aims to reduce dengue cases by 50 percent through early warning systems and stronger community engagement. Preventive measures are being intensified across residential and construction zones.

A representative from the Ministry of Health, Bambang Siswanto, highlighted the importance of community-based approaches. He pointed to ongoing national efforts to strengthen vector control programs.

“Currently, the Ministry of Health is intensifying the ‘Larvae-Free Village’ program, which aims to control disease vectors such as malaria and dengue,” he said.

He also stressed that responsibility for mosquito control must be shared across sectors. Local governments and communities play a critical role alongside health authorities.

“Controlling mosquito larvae is not only the responsibility of the health sector, but also of local governments and the community,” he added.

The program has been piloted in several regions, including East Kalimantan. In these areas, local leaders take the lead while health professionals provide technical support.

Ongoing construction activities pose extra challenges in disease control. Standing water at project sites creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Participants shared field experiences and mitigation practices during the training sessions. These practical insights help strengthen on-site prevention strategies.

Reza, an HSE representative from a judicial project package, described screening procedures for incoming workers. He emphasized the importance of early detection and risk assessment.

“At our project sites and across other packages, whenever new workers arrive, we implement HSE induction or health screening, asking about their medical history, where they come from, and other relevant information," he said.

The training featured experts from multiple institutions. Topics included migration surveillance, vector identification, and emergency response for malaria and dengue.

As a follow-up, the IKN Authority will formally establish health cadre teams. Participants will be assigned official roles through a formal decree.

These cadres are expected to sustain community education and environmental management efforts. Their role is crucial in ensuring long-term disease prevention.

This initiative highlights a public health approach that places communities at the center. It reinforces preventive actions toward achieving a malaria- and dengue-free Nusantara.