Indonesian Church holds national consultation on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse to spread awareness

Surabaya, Indonesia – The first–ever national consultation on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, The National Consultation of the Communion of Churches of Indonesia on HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse, held recently in Surabaya near Jakarta, prioritized action to address reality over moral condemnation.

The youth wing of Indonesia's Protestant Churches sponsored the meeting.

In her keynote address, Doctor Theresia Nafsiah Mboy documented for 80 youth and other delegates the increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and AIDS cases resulting from them in Indonesia the past 17 years.

Nafsiah, a pediatrician and international consultant to HIV/AIDS care organizations, cited Indonesia Health Affairs Ministry data saying that 4 HIV and 2 AIDS cases were on record in 1987. As of June 30, 2004, reported cases had jumped to 3,338 for HIV and 2,363 for AIDS, with 718 deaths.

"The number of infected people will increase rapidly if the government, Church and society do not take serious action," the Catholic doctor warned.

Nafsiah told participants that condom use has proven effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases but remains controversial. "Encouraging people to use condoms, in the view of religious leaders, means encouraging people to commit adultery," she elaborated.

She presented the Church view that people should have sex only within marriage, and thus refrain from sex with anyone but their spouse. But the reality is different, she added.

Wearing condoms if having sex outside of marriage is better, she contended, than not using them and putting at risk not only one's own life but also the life of others.

The next day, two sex workers described to conference delegates visiting Bangunsari, a red–light area in Surabaya, the hurdles they face in convincing customers to practice "safe" sex.

Both said they always ask their customers to use condoms, but many are reluctant and not aware of the health dangers of unprotected sex. Aminah (not her real name), 40, told the group her customers refuse to wear condoms and threaten to take their business elsewhere if she insists.

"Rather than losing the opportunity to earn money, I give in to the customers. These days it's hard to get a customer, as there are many younger and prettier sex workers with whom I find it hard to compete," she said.

On the other hand, Sulastri (not her real name), 35, said she feels she still can refuse customers who refuse to wear condoms. "I don't care if they go and take other girls," she told the group of Church people. "I am confident there are many others who want me," she added.

Aminah said that as a member of LSM Peduli HIV/AIDS, an organization working to halt HIV/AIDS nationwide, she continually reminds her co–workers of the risks of unprotected sex. She encourages them to insist that their customers wear condoms while having sex.

At the end of the consultation, participants issued a statement calling on all Churches and lay organizations not to make moral judgments or discriminate against HIV/AIDS victims. They encouraged Churches to provide direct services for infected people and to encourage others to do the same.

"HIV/AIDS transmission is very much related to people's behavior, so religion can be a strategic means to prevent and overcome it. Church and Christian lay organizations have a responsibility to explain the HIV/AIDS phenomenon from a theological perspective, and to teach Christian moral–based behavior," they said in their statement.

"We should understand and realize, emphatically, that anyone could fall into self–destructive behavior, and that we are all sinners who need God's forgiveness. Judging and discriminating against people with HIV/AIDS is a sin against humanity, therefore it is wrong," the statement says.

"It is time for Churches to immediately provide proper services, and encourage all as individuals, members of families, and members of ecclesial communities to participate in providing service for infected people. To do so, cooperation with all related parties who have given guidance in HIV/AIDS and drug abuse prevention is needed," the delegates asserted.

They called on the government, and especially law enforcers, to pursue and punish drug dealers. They also urged the Social Affairs and Health Affairs ministries, and affiliated institutions to maximize their work so HIV/AIDS and drug–abuse victims can get the best service and treatment.

Christians make up about 10.5 percent of Indonesia's people, while 87 percent are Muslims.