Nearly 39.9 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDs today. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks cells that protect the body from infections, leading to increased vulnerability to infections and diseases within the human body. HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDs), which often signifies a highly impaired immune system and can heavily reduce the predicted lifespan. While there is no standalone procedure for HIV, patients can receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is an ongoing treatment that uses viral suppression to decrease the amount of HIV in the blood. Some medicines can help prevent people from contracting HIV before a certain activity or experience (sex, drugs, etc.). However, without testing opportunities, it is nearly impossible to detect the presence of HIV, which is why having structured programs and opportunities for testing and treatment is crucial to our livelihoods

HIV/AIDs in Indonesia: Barriers

In 2023, 570,000 people were living with HIV/AIDs in Indonesia. Indonesia is the fifth most vulnerable (to HIV/AIDs) country in Asia. The main causes of HIV/AIDs transmission in Indonesia are unprotected sexual activities, unsanitary drug injection and communal needle use. The leading cause is sexual transmission, which accounts for nearly 89% of all cases. Not enough information is available among the Indonesian population, leading to an absolute lack of awareness.

Currently, the largest barrier regarding HIV/AIDs treatment in Indonesia is financial access to health care. Most Indonesians are unaware of their status (regarding the virus) and do not have access to testing or cannot afford treatment. Additionally, there is the social fear of rejection that many living with HIV/AIDs face. Having HIV/AIDs, though out of people’s control, often leads to social rejection and distancing. People may fear having ties cut between them and their family or friends, disallowing them from sharing their status and getting help.

Treatment of HIV/AIDs in Indonesia

As of February 2024, nearly 130,000 people are receiving ARP therapy in Indonesia, which is a great start, according to the 2024 Frontiers Article. With the help of UNAIDS, Indonesia is now much more intensive on HIV testing (so people living with HIV/AIDs are aware of their status and can get help) and treating those with HIV as well. Additionally, the government is attempting to put HIV or STI services into health benefits packages, so more people can access them, according to the 2024 Frontiers Article. The Indonesian Government is also taking the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines much more seriously and attempting to implement them in more facets of the country.

According to the 2024 Frontiers Article, Indonesia is also actively trying to involve private health care providers and diversify treatment to increase its outreach.

IAC and AHF

Based in Jakarta, the Indonesian AIDs Coalition (IAC) primarily helps communities and locals. It has specifically worked on the financial aspects of treatment (increasing accessibility) and allowing for a more inclusive and accepting space for those living with HIV/AIDs in Indonesia, according to the 2024 Frontiers Article. The IAC holds the Global Fund Principal Recipient status and used the Global Fund to Fight AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria’s grant for HIV in Indonesia.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has been conducting HIV testing to help people figure out their status. It helps with treatment, specifically by offering free ARV drugs, according to the 2024 Frontiers Article. AHF has also begun focusing on “housing, food security, and pandemic response and preparedness” as well.

LAP, SWING and UNAIDS

One Child One Life program by Lentera Anak Pelangi (LAP) primarily focuses on psychological support for adolescents and children. This program specifically offers mental support along with educating younger people who have HIV/AIDs, according to the 2024 Frontiers Article. By providing an environment of people with similar circumstances, LAP can provide solidarity to children with HIV and build their confidence. The program is especially good at helping those with HIV/AIDs return to school and continue their normal lives.

Service Workers in Group Foundation (SWING) focuses on working with female sex workers. In the process, the group tries to highlight the dangers of HIV/AIDs and how to protect themselves and others from the disease,  according to the 2024 Frontiers Article. Often, sex workers are not able to access health clinics (due to working hours and schedule), though they need to check their health and stay in good condition. Considering that their job provides many opportunities for contraction of diseases (such as HIV/AIDs), getting tested is incredibly important.

Along with the US Government, UNAIDS has partnered with the Indonesian Government to partake in PEFPAR, to help Indonesia reach its HIV targets and improve treatment. One of UNAIDS’s many focuses is eradicating stigma or discrimination towards those living with HIV, and fostering a more accepting community, according to its website.

Overall, there is so much being done to increase HIV testing, improve treatment, and address and eliminate stigma around HIV in Indonesia. With these groups working together and in tandem with the Indonesian government, Indonesia is getting closer and closer to reaching its goal of HIV eradication!

– Lakshya Anand

Lakshya is based in Bellevue, Washington, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash