Malaria in IndonesiaAs a widespread and unremitting communicable disease, malaria poses a global health problem with millions of people dying from it each year (World Health Organization [ WHO], 2011). Among Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia shows significant infection trends. Compared to its neighboring countries, the health care situation in Indonesia is relatively worse (Saadah & Knowles, 2000). Environmental factors, resistant strains of malaria parasites, ineffective treatments and inadequate preventive measures contribute to the persistence of this deadly epidemic. To identify key prevention strategies to deter malaria in Indonesia, it is essential to discuss the prevalence, contributing factors, and disease control efforts. Background Throughout Indonesia, malaria has proven to be a real threat to public health with millions of clinical cases documented each year. (Snow, Guerra, Noor, Myint, & Hay, 2005). Malaria has been cited as the fourth leading cause of death among children in developing countries such as Indonesia (Snow et al., 2005). These numbers are alarming, especially given the ongoing enforcement efforts and the unprecedented amount of funds allocated to these efforts. The impact of malaria has had serious financial consequences in Indonesia, slowing financial growth and only exacerbating the current state of poverty. In 2006, there were an estimated 2.5 million cases of malaria in Indonesia (WHO, 2011). Furthermore, the life expectancy of Indonesian adults is 69 years for men and 74 years for women (CDC, 2012). Environmental and socio-economic factors have contributed significantly to new cases of malaria transmission across Indonesia. Factors such as precipitation, winds, temperature...... middle of paper ......laria. However, with thousands of people dying each year from the disease, national legislative efforts must focus on funding disease control efforts. Without sufficient funding, progress made in reducing the spread of malaria in Indonesia may prove to be in vain. Political awareness of this economic shortage is urgently needed to support the decline of this disease, particularly with the emergence of drug resistance. Community efforts to raise awareness about malaria will promote adherence to primary prevention and treatment measures. Most importantly, policy planners must focus on launching effective control programs that recognize the poor socio-economic status of malaria-infested areas. Collaborative efforts to secure funding for continued research and evidence-based practices are the best approach to minimizing and even eliminating malaria in Indonesia..