Abstract

PIP: Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world, with a population of 184 million in 1993. By the end of December 1993, the Ministry of Health had reported 193 confirmed HIV infections. There have been 34 deaths from AIDS and HIV infections have been reported from 11 of the 27 provinces in the country. Where nationality is known, native Indonesians comprise 51% of HIV infections and non-Indonesians the remaining 49%. Sexual transmission accounts for 96% of cases where the route of transmission is known; route is unknown in 54 cases. Male:female sex ratio is 23:1 for reported AIDS cases and 4:1 for HIV infections for which sex is known. There have been no pediatric cases reported and 96% of those infected for whom age is known are 15-49 years. The present reporting system definitely underestimates the actual number of HIV infections. The window of prevention in the linear growth phase of the epidemic closed in 1992, when Indonesia began to experience exponential epidemic growth. Although the epidemiologic situation is worsening rapidly, a chance remains that HIV can be kept from becoming a major development problem. The government is now addressing the epidemic as a developmental issue, calling for action across sectors and in partnership with nongovernmental organizations and the private sector much earlier than elsewhere. The successful family planning program instituted in response to the population crisis will serve as a model for HIV prevention strategies and programs in Indonesia.