14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain — July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12;14:Abstract No. G12487

[ABSTRACT:] Issues: Localisation was emerged illegally in Atambua of West Timor Indonesia. However, it was abolished by local government since 5 year ago. A research funded by AusAID discovered that there is physically no localisation but prostitution sharply re-emerge in various places like hotels and private homes. It is indeed very difficult to outreach these prostitutes who are practicing in private homes. Even the mother is acting as the manager for her daughter in negotiating the price with the client. They have no access to health services and information on safer sex and other related information.

DESCRIPTION: Seminars and workshops have been conducted in order to advocate and gain support from all stakeholders (government, legislative, NGOs, religious and community leaders). At the beginning there was a long debate on pro and against the legalisation of localisation. Fortunately, research results strongly showed the high risk sexual behaviours exist almost all over the District that located at the border to new nation of East Timor. At the end of the day, all stakeholders agreed to legalise the localisation and hence, local Law or Decree should be drafted by the Government for Legislative approval.

LESSON LEARNED: As a result, all stakeholders aware that by destroying localisation does not simply meant that such place is free of prostitution. More worse when prostitutes move into private homes. The negative impact on children in the family is a big issue. They will feel used to this condition and hence in the long run they will feel no shame and easily involve in prostitution for some reasons.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Integrated program should be designed/developed to include legal aspect to protect the rights of prostitutes; a 100% condom use program; STD clinic for medical services; and outreach program to decrease or stop prostitution in private homes. Financial support is also another issue to be tackled by local government, national and international donors.

Presenting author: Berchmans Mau-Bria

1HIV/AIDS Project, Jln. Teratai No. 9, Kupang, NTT, Indonesia.

2Local NGO, Kupang, Indonesia.

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