Does a flood of AIDS
\nawait as flood recedes?<\/p>\n
Christopher Purdy
\nDirector, DKT Indonesia
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
In case you had not noticed, AIDS is here in Indonesia. In the
\nlast 12 months, the Ministry of Health released data indicating
\nthat 80,000 to 120,000 Indonesians were infected with HIV. The
\ngovernment stated that transmission rates of HIV among \"high-
\nrisk\" groups such as sex workers, transvestites, and intravenous
\ndrug users are higher (in some cases, much higher) than 5
\npercent.<\/p>\n
This technically re-classified the AIDS epidemic in Indonesia
\nfrom a \"low\" to a \"concentrated\" prevalence rate, repeating an
\nall-too-familiar pattern of the epidemic's evolution to larger
\npopulations and communities -- primarily in urban areas.<\/p>\n
This new information was important because it marked the
\ngovernment's decision to bravely address \"uncomfortable\" issues
\nsuch as sex and intravenous drug use. By confirming that HIV
\nrates were much higher than previously reported, the government
\nsignificantly created political space to find solutions to these
\nproblems and increase prevention efforts. This is a welcome
\ndevelopment but is accompanied by a new kind of challenge.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, talking about sexual behavior poses problems.
\nWhile Indonesia struggles with self-identity and cultural shifts
\nassociated with modernization and globalization, a generation of
\nyoung Indonesians are exploring their sexuality (and getting
\npregnant!). Commercial sex establishments are tolerated and, by
\nall reports, continue to run a brisk business. Since the economic
\ncrisis, an increasing number of young women have been forced into
\ncommercial sex, moving among brothels, massage parlors, and bars.
\nSales of energy drinks and traditional herbs (jamu), widely
\nconsidered to contain aphrodisiacal qualities (mostly caffeine)
\nthat improve sexual performance, are reportedly strong.<\/p>\n
However, talking about sex or disease prevention remains a
\ntaboo subject, liable to send most Indonesians running or
\nlaughing. While many young Indonesians are indeed conservative,
\nmost are simply terribly embarrassed by the subject of sex. While
\nthey publicly shy away from discussions about sex, they privately
\nyearn for knowledge. Because there is no publicly accepted forum
\nfor discussion, many young Indonesians turn to the internet,
\nVCDs, and their friends for information about sex.<\/p>\n
How then, will Indonesia combat an issue like HIV\/AIDS?
\nWithout straightforward dialog about disease prevention and
\nsexual behavior, this remains a serious challenge. Condom
\nadvertisements, for example, cannot be aired before 9 p.m. for
\nfear that young people might see them. However, if youngsters do
\nnot see such advertisements, when will they be exposed to issues
\nregarding personal safety? How will they know how to prevent
\ndisease? Who will tell them?<\/p>\n
If the recent flooding in Jakarta is any metaphor, careful
\nplanning and preparation are critical to prevent an overflow of
\nHIV transmissions in the future. However, Indonesians must not
\nlook only to their government bodies to address and solve this
\nproblem. Individuals and communities must open up the floodgates
\nof education and clear a pathway for fresh thinking and behavior.<\/p>\n
Frank and open discussions about HIV, including the promotion
\nand use of condoms, are required (if you have never counseled
\nyour adolescent children about HIV and condoms, do so today!).
\nPublic dialog about HIV prevention from pop culture icons (such
\nas movie stars, singers, and athletes) and community, business,
\nand cultural leaders will make discussing HIV\/AIDS and condoms
\nmore acceptable and less embarrassing.<\/p>\n
However, this must be done aggressively and continually.
\nUnlike the waters spilling across the Jakarta streets, a flood of
\nHIV will not be so easily controlled and will not recede.<\/p>\n
DKT Indonesia is a part of the Washington-based international
\norganization focusing on HIV prevention and family planning.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/does-a-flood-of-aids-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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