Government plays down AIDS threat

JAKARTA (JP): An activist regretted on Monday the government's tendency to play down the spread of HIV/AIDS, saying it would only hamper the campaign to control the disease.

"Our government insists that our country has a low prevalence of HIV/AIDS while in fact the number of cases is increasing with time. Government officials are reluctant to admit that the disease is a threat to everyone," noted HIV/AIDS campaigner Baby Jim Aditya said.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that as of April there were 52,000 people infected with HIV in Indonesia. The Ministry of Health, however, revealed that only 1,887 cases had been recorded since the first case was discovered in 1987.

Of the cases recorded in the country, 1,393 people were known to be infected with HIV, while the remaining suffer full-blown AIDS.

"From the small figure, however, we can see how fast the disease has spread, as in 1987 there were only six cases," Baby said.

There were only seven cases discovered in 1988, and within five years the number grew to 113. In 1999 there were 225 cases reported.

Baby said HIV/AIDS did not only concern health or moral issues, but also sexual attitudes and how people perceived the disease.

"The government persistently holds on to the country's image as a home to decent people," she remarked.

As part of her campaign and efforts to raise public awareness about HIV/AIDS issues, Baby said she would hold a gathering in Jakarta and 71 other towns on May 20. The gatherings, to be marked with participants lighting candles, will be held simultaneously.

The event in Jakarta, jointly organized with Avi productions, will take place in the front grounds of the National Museum on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta.

Featuring HIV/AIDS campaigners Zubairi Djoerban and psychologist Joyce Djaelani Gordon and some of the country's renowned musicians, the event is open to the public.

"We estimate around 500 people will light the candles, which symbolize the world's struggle against HIV/AIDS," Baby said.

The candlelight evening which usually takes place in the second week of May is part of the global move to combat the disease. (emf)