Jakarta, June 18 -- The sixth Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), said that he joined the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) due to his commitment to supporting the achievement of global malaria elimination targets.

He then expressed optimism that Indonesia will fully eliminate malaria.

In a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, he affirmed that as a special advisor to the APLMA, he is committed to supporting Indonesia's anti-malaria push by forging collaboration with global organizations in the fight against malaria worldwide.

While the biggest challenges lie in the African region, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, must remain vigilant, he said.

"Malaria is not only a health...