'People with HIV should get help'

Studies have shown that injecting drug users are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, as they frequently share needles with other junkies. Official data estimates that Indonesia is home to about 130,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). In commemoration of World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1, The Jakarta Post talked to residents on their thoughts about the issue.

Dwi Anggraini, 36, teaches at an English language school in Serpong, Tangerang, where she also lives with her husband and two sons:

I cannot imagine if my relatives contracted HIV/AIDS. It would be horrible, because as far as I know, there is no cure for this. It must be difficult to face such a situation. The only advice I might be able to offer them is that they pray.

I believe that prevention is better than treatment... I would tell my family and relatives to stay away from any activities that could lead to contracting HIV, such as using drugs.

The government must provide assistance for PLWHA. It must provide medication, particularly for poor people.

Yanti, 25, works at a consultancy in Central Jakarta. She lives in a boarding house in Setiabudi, South Jakarta:

I have a friend who has been living with HIV/AIDS for almost three years. I feel very sorry for him, because his wife died two years ago from the same disease. Luckily, their only child does not have HIV/AIDS.

As a friend, I try to cheer him up and keep him company as before. His condition remains stable, but I know that his days are numbered. He can die anytime.

He has survived until now because his family is wealthy, and has been able to support his treatment.

I can't imagine what would happen if his family got bankrupt and his supply of medication stopped.

-- The Jakarta Post