Jayapura. The Indonesian military announced on Tuesday that at least 144 of its 15,000 servicemen stationed at the Cendrawasih Army base in Papua have tested positive for HIV.
“That figure was based on medical examinations of all personnel at Cendrawasih,” spokesman Maj. Gen. Hotma Marbun said at a press conference at the base in Jayapura.
“Four of those infected have since died,” he said.
Hotma added that the prevalence of HIV here was the highest among Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) bases.
“Most of those who have the virus were sexually promiscuous,” Hotma said, adding they were mostly between the ages of 18 and 20.
To prevent more soldiers from contracting the virus, he went on, base commanders were now carrying out an awareness and education campaign to disseminate information about the dangers of HIV and how to prevent infection .
Meanwhile, those who have been diagnosed with the virus are receiving regular medical treatment, Hotma said.
“We’re doing our best to stop the spread of the disease by reminding the soldiers not to engage in unsafe sex practices, and by reminding the infected soldiers to diligently stick with their treatment plans.”
The revelation comes amid a wider campaign by the government to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in workplaces, as well as to provide treatment for infected workers.
The joint venture by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration and the National AIDS Commission (KPAN) is also backed by the International Labor Organization.
“Workplaces are ideal for the spread of a virus because they bring people together in close confinement,” said Bambang Giatno Rahardjo, the Health Ministry’s head of human resources development and empowerment.
“Those whose immune systems are already weakened by HIV/AIDS are at greater risk of catching tuberculosis at work.”
There are an estimated 390,000 people living with HIV in Indonesia, according to the latest KPAN data from March 2010.
The commission warns this figure could increase to 500,000 by 2014 unless more is done to promote prevention and treatment programs in workplaces.