AIDS activists hold special event

JAKARTA (JP): Street children, homosexuals, transvestites and prostitutes joined in an AIDS candlelight memorial in the city on Saturday night.

The event was held to increase awareness among people about the dangers of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), according to one of the organizers, Spiritia foundation.

The event held by Spiritia in its office on Jl. Radio IV, near Blok M, South Jakarta, started with a jaipong traditional dance performed by a transvestite. Participants then lit candles, shared memories, prayed and recited poems.

The participants then walked around Blok M, releasing helium balloons and handing out brochures. From Blok M, they went to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle by bus to join other AIDS activists in a similar event.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has recorded 1,887 cases of HIV infection and AIDS in this country since the first case was discovered in 1987. Of the cases recorded, 1,393 people are known to be infected with HIV, while the remaining suffer full-blown AIDS. (hdn)