HIV knows no economic crux

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of people flocked to a bazaar organized by AIDS activists in Bulungan sports stadium, South Jakarta, over the weekend.

On sale were items donated by people concerned with the spread of HIV/AIDS, including Dangdut singer Ikke Nurjanah, comedian Miing Bagito, and soap opera stars Robby Tumewu, Peggy Melati Sukma, Neno Warisman, Adjie Massaid and Nurul Arifin.

Committee chief Baby Jim Aditya said the money would be used to organize Renungan AIDS Nusantara, an anti-AIDS campaign to be held simultaneously in 53 cities across Indonesia on May 17.

The campaign is Indonesia's contribution to the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization to be held across the world next month, she said.

She said the economic crisis had further complicated efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Indonesia, where 631 people have been infected to date, Antara reported.

"Laboratory testing and medical costs have soared and the number of infected people is rising. This proves that the spread of AIDS has been unaffected by the monetary crisis." (pan)