HIV/AIDS Erodes Hopes for Demographic Dividend
Amidst the government and public focus on issues such as stunting, tuberculosis, and various other infectious diseases, the threat of HIV/AIDS in Indonesia continues to grow without receiving much public attention. Although it does not cause panic like the Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of HIV on public health, labour productivity, and the success of the national demographic bonus is considered very serious.
By 2025, there are estimated to be approximately 564,000 people living with HIV in Indonesia. However, as of March 2025, only about 356,638 people, or 63%, are aware of their health status and are undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. This means many HIV sufferers remain outside the optimal treatment system. According to the Head of BKKBN, Budi Setiyono, this disease has become a strategic issue with the potential to affect the quality of Indonesia’s human resources in the long term.
The Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Karawang Health Office, Yayuk Sri Rahayu, stated that HIV cases in Karawang have been high in recent years. The most dominant group infected with HIV is within the productive age range, specifically between 20 and 49 years old. Based on available data, the high number of HIV cases is triggered by the prevalence of same-sex sexual relations, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).
Furthermore, the Head of the Planning and Finance Working Team of the BKKBN East Java Representative, Dr Sofyan Rizalanda, M.Kes., outlined the serious threat of HIV/AIDS cases during the Coordination Meeting for the Strengthening of the Bangga Kencana Programme held on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Surabaya, themed “HIV/AIDS in Indonesia: A Silent Epidemic Threatening the Demographic Bonus.”
Meanwhile, the Director of Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr Ina Agustina, stated that 7ability% of HIV cases in Indonesia are concentrated in 11 priority provinces, namely DKI Jakarta, East Java, West Java, Central Java, North Sumatra, Bali, Papua, Central Papua, South Sulawesi, Banten, and Riau Islands.
From these facts, it is evident that HIV/AIDS cases continue to increase, especially among the younger productive-age generation. This condition is viewed as a consequence of increasingly widespread free association and sexual deviations. The phenomenon of homosexuality is no longer only found in large cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang, but has also reached smaller towns like Karawang. Furthermore, some individuals are now increasingly bold in displaying their identities and activities openly through social media, podcasts, and various other forms of activity.
The existence of unrestricted media and the lack of a sanctions system that provides a deterrent effect has caused this social decay to spread further. From the author’s perspective, the system of free association arising from a secular-capitalist system is the primary cause of the increase in HIV cases among the productive age. However, the government is deemed to focus more on aspects of detection, handling, and treatment rather than efforts to prevent the root causes. Consequently, the solutions implemented address the downstream aspects rather than the upstream issues.
If the generational damage caused by HIV/AIDS—impacting physical health, mental health, and productivity—continues without preventative efforts that address the core problem, the result will not be a demographic bonus, but a demographic disaster. The generation that should serve as healthy, strong, productive human resources capable of driving national progress is instead threatened with losing its potential due to diseases related to risky behaviour. This condition is a matter of shared concern.
As a solution, Islam regulates the system of social interaction clearly, including prohibiting free association, regulating interactions between men and women according to Sharia provisions, and only permitting interactions in matters authorised by Sharia, such as muamalah (social transactions), education, and medical treatment. Islam also prohibits same-sex sexual relations as part of the effort to preserve honour, lineage, and public health.
Islam establishes strict sanctions for perpetrators of liwath (homosexuality) based on Sharia provisions. The aim is to maintain the moral dignity of society, provide a deterrent effect, and prevent various forms of deviation that can destroy the social order. In Islam, the act of liwath is categorised as fāḥishah (an abominable act), as stated in the Quran:
“And (remember) when Luth said to his people, ‘Indeed, you commit an abomination that no one before you has perpetrated in the worlds.’ (QS. Al-’Ankabut [29]: 28).”
From a media perspective, Islam also does not permit content that contradicts Sharia. Media should be directed towards supporting the formation of an Islamic personality (syakhshiyah Islamiyah). Through the safeguarding of social interaction systems, the regulation of media, and the application of sanctions according to Sharia, it is hoped that a safe and natural community life can be created, allowing the blessings and mercy of Allah SWT to be felt by all.