'HIV/AIDS couldn't keep us apart'

As many in society still view people with HIV/AIDS as "sinners", it is difficult for the government and activists to reach out to those whose lifestyles leaves them at risk. Many wives and babies throughout the country have been infected by HIV as an estimated eight to 10 million husbands are clients of sex workers. In conjunction with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, The Jakarta Post asked some residents how much they know about the issue.

Theresia Wahyuni, 25, is a journalist with a weekly magazine based in Sultan Iskandarsyah, South Jakarta. She lives near her office:

To be truthful, I would definitely feel shocked and a bit scared if a member of my family contracted HIV/AIDS. I know HIV/AIDS is transmittable only through bodily fluids, but it's only natural for a person being to be afraid of the virus as it is deadly.

But that doesn't mean that I would abandon the person with HIV/AIDS. Instead, I would take care of the person and give him or her support so as to give them the will to live.

I would also try to find as much information as I could through the internet and non-governmental organizations so as to calm my fears of possibly being infected by the virus.

Punky, 24, is a staffer with a non-governmental organization focusing on education and the sciences. She lives in a boarding house in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta:

I can't imagine what would happen if a friend or relative of mine contracted HIV/AIDS. Honestly, I wouldn't know how to treat them. I believe that with or without my companionship, they would have problems handling their own situation.

I believe our relationship would not fall apart just because they are infected with the virus. But I would never tell them that I feel sorry for them as this might only worsen their situation. I would just treat such a friend or relative as usual. I will support them all the way.

--The Jakarta Post