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AKARTA: Java Island is projected to be free from malaria by 2015 as the Health Ministry steps up measures to introduce malaria control programs to more communities.

“Malaria cases in Java have decreased rapidly, however, the disease still occurs once in a while such as in Kulon Progo [Yogyakarta]. Controlling malaria is a key part of our efforts to eliminate malaria from Java by 2015,” said the ministry’s disease control and environmental health director general Tjandra Yoga Aditama, in a press statement on Monday.

He made the statement after visiting Kulon Progo regency, Yogyakarta, on Saturday, to closely observe a rise in the incidence of malaria in the area.

“During the inspection, I found that from December 2011 to January 2012, the malaria incidence in Kokap district in Kulon Progo regency, especially in Hargotirto village and in a few parts of Hargowilis village, showed an increase,” said Tjandra.