HIV among drug addicts

JAKARTA: At least 75 percent of the 400 drug addicts treated by the non-profit Asa Bangsa Foundation over the past two years are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the foundation's chairperson, Sufiah Ambardy, said on Saturday.

"About 75 percent of the patients are infected with the deadly HIV," Ambardy said at the opening of Ramadhan Bazaar on Drug Danger, which was opened by Vice President Hamzah Haz's wife Nani.

Most patients treated by the foundation are from poor families, Ambardy said, adding that another 50 patients are currently on a waiting list for treatment.

Ambardy said that the cost of treating drug addiction at the foundation is Rp 20 million (US$1,900) per patient. -- Antara

;ANTARA; ANPAa..r.. Scene-Religions Indonesians fed up with violence JP/8/SCENE

Indonesians fed up with violence

CANBERRA: Minister of Religious Affairs Said Aqiel Munawar said that members of religious communities in Indonesia are already fed up with the various episodes of violence caused by attempts to use religion as a political commodity.

The minister urged all parties to refrain from such practices, which he said would only affect national unity.

"The religious community has for years been pitted against others, both from different religions and even the same religion. It is the works of a handful of irresponsible but ambitious politicians," Said Aqiel said at a fast-breaking ceremony with the Indonesian community in Sydney on Saturday.

He expressed concern over the fact that the violence had not only caused conflicting groups to suffer losses, but had also ruined the country's image internationally.

"I'm sure we don't want to hear the name of our nation being tarnished in the international world.

"Therefore, don't be easily provoked to dispute with other parties from different religions," he said. -- Antara