Should I Take Malaria Prophylaxis When Traveling To Certain Areas?

Whether you need to take malaria prophylaxis in Indonesia depends on your travel destinations. High-risk areas include Papua (Irian Jaya) and some remote islands, where antimalarial medication such as atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine is strongly recommended. In these regions, malaria transmission is year-round and the risk is significant.

Other parts of Indonesia, such as Bali, Lombok, Java, and Sumatra, are considered low risk, and prophylaxis is generally not required for most travelers. However, bite avoidance measures are still essential. In Jakarta, the risk is negligible, so antimalarial medication is not usually advised.

For travelers with higher risk factors—such as long stays in rural areas, immunosuppression, or young children—consult a travel health specialist for personalized advice. Regardless of your destination, always practice mosquito bite prevention, as other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika are present throughout Indonesia.