The HIV situation in Indonesia pushed us to form a national network of people with HIV in 2014 called the Jaringan Indonesia Positif (JIP). JIP is a development organization, a non-government, non-profit and non-sectarian, non-partisan organization working for the social development of people living with HIV for legal advocacies.
JIP works to make a real contribution to ensuring that the needs of people living with HIV are met, building community self-reliance in fulfilling rights, influencing the government, and enabling an environment for access to the progress and quality of life of people living with HIV in the community.
Staff and friends of JIP Gather together for a group photo
JIP is now known as an organization that advocates the needs and rights of people with HIV through direct involvement of people with HIV. Meaningful engagement of people living with HIV as advocates have proven to be able to change the epidemic and reduce stigma and discrimination. Thus, accelerating the coverage of HIV testing, ARV treatment and improving the quality of HIV/AIDS services by involving people living with HIV in various response lines must be a priority in the next five years (2021-2025). This spirit will continue to be carried by JIP to change the face of the HIV epidemic in Indonesia for a better future.
JIP has released many products to support access to information and increase knowledge for people living with HIV and other key population communities. Through the principles of “Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS”, JIP seeks to increase the ability and knowledge of people living with HIV and key populations so that they are empowered, have a better quality of life, and contribute to ending AIDS in 2030.
One of our fondest memories of our work is the collaboration between staff with backgrounds from various key populations such as MSM, transwomen, people who use drugs and sex workers. Hand in hand, they learn to understand the challenges faced by each key population and can work together as a team.
The important lesson we have learned is that everyone, without exception, if we respect their rights and allow them to develop, will become extraordinary individuals and the best version of themselves.
Peter Sands, CEO of the Global Fund, met with representatives of key populations in Jakarta, at Jaringan Indonesia Positif. They discussed everyday challenges fighting HIV and TB.
Jaringan Indonesia Positif (JIP), Indonesia
Years as a USAID/PEPFAR partner: 3