HIV Cases in Indonesia: A Closer Look at Prevalence and Demographics
Estimated cases of people living with HIV in Indonesia are projected to reach 515,000 in 2023, indicating a slight decline from the estimated 540,000 cases reported in 2022.
Global statistics place Indonesia as ninth in estimated seasonal new HIV infection cases, with 28,000 new infections expected in 2023.
Ellie:
11 Provinces Account for Majority of HIV Cases
Recent data reveal that 11 provinces carry the heaviest burden of HIV in Indonesia.
These provinces account for 76 percent of reported cases, each with over 10,000 individuals living with the virus.
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- DKI Jakarta
- East Java
- West Java
- Central Java
- North Sumatra
- Bali
- Papua
- Central Papua
- South Sulawesi
- Banten
- Riau islands
New Cases Show Upward Trend
Data from January to September 2024 reveal a near record-breaking number of HIV cases, with 35,415 reported cases and 12,481 AIDS cases. This figure narrowly missed surpassing the total number of cases reported for the entirety of the previous year, exceeding 50,000.
The data shows a persistent trend of men accounting for the majority of new HIV cases in Indonesia, with 71 percent of diagnoses among men and 29 percent among women.
Men Who Have Sex with Men Remain Key Population subgroup
Endang Lukitosari, MPH, a member of the PIMS HIV Working Team at the Directorate of Prevention and
Control of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, explained that 90 percent of HIV cases occur in individuals
aged 15 to 49, largely concentrated in the productive age group.
Endang reveals “[…]Almost 19 percent occurred in the 20–24-year-age group, who are young adults, and 60 percent were adults aged 25 to 49 years,” outliningduring a recent webinar.
He emphasized: “If we combine this, almost 90 percent, more or less, are teenagers and young adults, in their productive age. The largest key population group was in the MSM group, which is 31 percent, followed by PLHIV couples and sex workers (PS), “
What specific measures are being implemented to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on vulnerable communities in Indonesia?
## HIV Cases in Indonesia: A Closer Look
**Ellie:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving deep into the current state of HIV in Indonesia with Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on infectious diseases. Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for joining us.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here, Ellie.
**Ellie:** Reports suggest a slight decline in estimated HIV cases in Indonesia this year. Can you shed some light on that?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** That’s correct. We are seeing a projected decrease to 515,000 cases in 2023, down from 540,000 in 2022. This is encouraging, but it’s crucial to remember that any decrease shouldn’t lead to complacency. [[1](https://www.usaid.gov/indonesia/fact-sheets/partnering-hiv-response)]highlights that the HIV epidemic still disproportionately affects vulnerable communities in Indonesia.
**Ellie:** And what about new infections? Indonesia seems to be among the countries with a high number of new cases.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Sadly, that’s true. Indonesia currently sits at ninth globally in terms of estimated new HIV infections, with 28,000 expected this year. This underscores the ongoing need for robust prevention programs and accessible testing. It’s crucial to reach those most at risk to stem the tide of new infections.
**Ellie:** It’s concerning to hear about the concentration of cases in particular regions. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It’s a worrying trend. A significant portion – 76% of reported cases – are concentrated in just 11 provinces, each with over 10,000 people living with HIV. This geographic concentration allows us to focus our resources and efforts where they’re needed most.
**Ellie:** Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for providing these insights into the complex landscape of HIV in Indonesia. I know this is an ongoing issue, and it’s vital to keep the conversation going.