Health Ministry Clarifies Surge in HIV Cases in Sidoarjo, East Java

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has moved to correct misinformation regarding a reported increase in HIV case findings in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java. Kemenkes stressed that the surge in detected cases is not caused by a high rate of new transmissions, but rather is the result of massively expanded screening and early detection coverage.

Based on HIV situation data in Sidoarjo Regency for the period 2001 to June 2026, a cumulative total of 1,183 HIV cases were found among children and young adults (aged 0-24 years). This increase in findings aligns with the broader access to HIV testing across various health service facilities, ranging from community health centres (Puskesmas), hospitals, and clinics, to community-based services.

Kemenkes detailed the distribution of the 1,183 cumulative HIV cases among the young age groups in Sidoarjo as follows: In the 0-10 age group, there were 117 cases, all of which were vertical transmissions (from mother to child). Of this total, 32 children are still alive and actively undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, 35 children have died, and 50 children are classified as Lost to Follow-Up (LFU). In the 11-17 age group, there were 60 cases, with 4 originating from vertical transmission and 56 from horizontal transmission. As of June 2026, 34 adolescents are actively on treatment, 7 have died, and 19 are LFU.

The 18-24 age group accounted for the largest share with 1,006 cases, of which 1,005 were horizontal transmissions. Cases predominantly involved key populations, including 521 cases among men who have sex with men (MSM), 210 cases with unidentified risk factors, 60 pregnant women, 44 tuberculosis patients, 80 high-risk partners or partners of people living with HIV, 56 sex workers and clients, and 35 cases among other groups such as transgender individuals, prisoners, those with sexually transmitted infections, injecting drug users, and prospective brides. Within this age group, 572 individuals are currently on treatment, 123 have died, and 311 are LFU.

In response to public attention on HIV cases in Sidoarjo, the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control deployed a supervisory team to verify field data, including visiting the Delta Crisis Centre and coordinating with the Sidoarjo District Health Office. Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Dr Andi Saguni, MA, emphasised that HIV is a chronic disease that can be controlled if patients consistently take ARV medication. He urged the public not to fear HIV testing if they have risk factors or are recommended by health workers, stating that knowing one’s HIV status early is a crucial step to protect oneself, partners, and family. Kemenkes also called on the public to stop stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, as stigma is a major barrier to screening and maintaining treatment to achieve the Ending AIDS 2030 target.