RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) received a Malaria Elimination Certificate from Indonesia's Ministry of Health during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration at the Prof. dr. Sujudi Building, the Ministry of Health, South Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Yogyakarta Deputy Governor KGPAA, Paku Alam X, accepted the certificate on behalf of Governor, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. The award recognized Yogyakarta and South Sumatra provinces, along with seven regencies and cities, for achieving malaria elimination while committing to maintain their malaria-free status.

Vice Health Minister, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, said malaria remains a serious public health challenge despite progress in disease control. He noted that Indonesia recorded around 700,000 malaria cases and 120 deaths in 2025.

“The government has established the 2025–2045 Malaria Elimination Roadmap. Our goal is to achieve a malaria-free Indonesia by 2030,” Dante said.

He explained that the government continues to strengthen malaria prevention through the Find, Treat, and Control Risk Factors (TOKEN) program, targeted drug administration, mass medication in endemic areas, and intermittent preventive treatment.

Meanwhile, Acting Director General of Disease Control Andi Saguni said Indonesia had recorded 346,866 malaria cases as of July 2026. He added that 414 regencies and cities, or about 94.1 percent of the 2026 target, had successfully achieved malaria elimination.

The event also recognized outstanding health workers, with Sukasih from the Girimulyo II Community Health Center in Kulon Progo winning second place in the 2026 National Malaria Microscopy Competition.

“We have received the malaria elimination certificate, and now we must continue maintaining our malaria-free status,” Sukasih said.