Infectious diseases remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Indonesia. The reduction, elimination, and eradication of infectious diseases have been the subject of numerous meetings and public health initiatives for decades. The malaria, yaws and other communicable disease eradication programs of earlier years, although unsuccessful, contributed greatly to an understanding of the difficulties faced in trying to achieve goal of disease control. The reemergence of old infectious diseases, along with the emergence of new diseases such as SARS, Avian Influenza and the development of antimicrobial resistance, pose significant challenges to public health.