'I can't imagine it happening to us'

Official estimates reveal that between 90,000 and 130,000 people live with HIV/AIDS throughout the country, although most activists believe the number is much higher. In conjunction with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, The Jakarta Post talked to two residents about the issue.

Hendri Suhenda, 33, owns a drinks stall on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta. He also works as an accountant with a private company in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. He lives with his family at Villa Melati Mas, Tangerang:

I have no idea what I would do if one of my family members contracted HIV/AIDS. I can't imagine it happening in my family.

However, I do know about it and how to deal with it theoretically. I know it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or through blood-to-blood contact with people who have HIV.

I think the first thing I would do if this happened in my family is to try not to be judgmental. This could be the hardest thing to do as we all know how people get HIV.

Ganjar, 22, is a psychology student at the University of Indonesia. He is also a storyteller with the Mata Hati storytelling group in Bendungan Hilir, South Jakarta. He lives in Cileduk, Tangerang, with his family:

I have no experience dealing with people who have HIV/AIDS. However, I am well-informed about it.

There is no need for us to fear or shun people living with HIV/AIDS. There is no danger to us if we share the same glass or food with them. The virus is only transmittable through the exchange of body liquids; primarily blood and semen.

I think people living with HIV/AIDS need at least one of their family members to help them share the pain and burden of their illness. Intimate family members can help speak for the sufferers to ease the prejudice of others and prevent discrimination against them.

--The Jakarta Post