With human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) cases climbing nationwide, health experts have stressed early prevention, consistent condom use, and wider access to sexual health resources.
Indonesia is seeing a worrying rise in HIV cases, with national data showing steady increases every year. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the country now ranks 9th in the world for the highest number of HIV cases. More than 564,000 Indonesians are currently living with HIV, most of them infected through unprotected sex. UNAIDS has also noted that Indonesia is one of the three fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region.
The number of STIs is also increasing. Recent data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health shows that reported STI cases have gone up by more than 21%, with the biggest rise seen among Gen Z (15–24 years old). Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, in particular, remain the most common infections, often caused by unprotected sexual activity.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 70% of STIs do not show any symptoms, meaning many people pass on infections without realising it. This highlights a major public health concern: STIs and HIV can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, relationship status, or background.
In response to these challenges, DKT Indonesia, a social marketing organisation dedicated to promoting contraception, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS prevention products and services, is strengthening its role as a private-sector leader to help maintain prevention efforts, especially by ensuring access to essential tools such as condoms. To support national STI and HIV prevention efforts and to mark World AIDS Day 2025, DKT Indonesia has distributed more than 153,000 condoms to institutions, health organisations, and community groups nationwide.
This initiative was carried out together with key partners, including institutions, NGOs, and grassroots communities. Dr Thesa Ananda Prima, DKT Indonesia’s Medical Advisor and Sexual Reproductive Health Expert, stressed the urgent need for early prevention.
“Indonesia’s rising STIs & HIV trends show that prevention and education must go hand in hand. Many people don’t realise they are infected because symptoms often do not appear. That is why condom use is crucial. Condoms are the only proven health-prevention tool that can protect against both HIV and most STIs, and using them consistently every time you have sex is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard yourself and your partner,” said Prima in a press release on Monday, the 1st of December.
In addition, here are simple ways to protect yourself from STIs and HIV according to DKT Indonesia:
- Learn about the risks of STIs and HIV;
- Avoid unprotected sex;
- Use condoms every time you have sex;
- Get tested regularly.