Suwarsono, Manager of Airport Operation and Service of the Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung, West Java, took a lead in taking the HIV test at the one-day voluntarily HIV test and counseling at work (VCT@Work) programme held on 26 September. Ten days later, in Medan, North Sumatra (more than 2.000 kilometers away), Bayuh Iswantoro, Executive General Manager of Kualanamu International Airport, also took the same lead.

They both take a lead as a role model from the high-level management to inspire and encourage their staff and crews to have the courage to know their status. A total of 250 staff, crews and management of both airports participated in the VCT@Work programme.

They both emphasized the important role they played as a role model to the other staff and management. “My participation on VCT is to set an example for the staff and crews, encouraging to do the same. Knowing our status is important not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones,” told both Suwarsono and Bayuh.

The VCT@Work programe was an immediate follow-up to the joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ILO and Angkasa Pura II on 10 December 2018 on the implementation and integration of HIV prevention programme through its programme related to occupational safety and health (OSH). The signing of the commitment has placed Angkasa Pura II as the pioneer company in the air transportation sector.

Angkasa Pura II is one of the state-owned companies engaged in the airport services and airport related services operating in 14 airports in Western part of Indonesia. In addition to the staff of Angkasa Pura II at the Jakarta headquarter, the pilot VCT@Work programme was targeted in Bandung and Medan as the three areas with high prevalence of HIV in the country.

The importance of knowing your status

Prino Bastian, Staff of Operational Division of the Husein Sastranegara International Airport, appreciated the implementation of a non-discriminatory policy at Angkasa Pura II. “This policy provides a sense of security and guarantee for all of the staff. We know that no matter the result is we can keep our job and continue working to support our family. This really encourage us to know our status,” he said.

Meanwhile for Laily Shadahati, a Technical Staff of the Husein Sastranegara International Airport talked about her experience knowing one of her neighbours got infected by HIV. “Learning from that it is important for us to know our status so that we can better protect ourselves,” she said.

Similar comments were also conveyed from the Kualanamu International Airport. Doara Saragih, Operation Maintenance of General OSH, said that he has now better understanding about HIV. “Do not push away the persons with HIV. We should stay away from the virus by having a better understanding about HIV.”

For an eight-month pregnant Nadia Bregina, administration and finance staff, knowing her status was part of her effort to protect herself and her baby. “This is my first pregnancy. I take part in this programme to better protect both myself and my baby,” she said.

The HIV education sessions, conducted prior to the VCT@Work programme, were conducted by the internal Team of HIV Prevention Programme from Angkasa Pura II who have participated at the Training of Trainers (ToT) on HIV Prevention programme early this year. The team consists of internal 24 trainers who are assigned to strengthen and providing HIV socialization and prevention programe for all staff of Angkasa Pura II. In addition, the company’s non-discriminatory policy has included in the company’s collective agreement.

A strong commitment is the key power

“The ILO greatly appreciated the efforts taken by Angkasa Pura II through its HIV Prevention programme. Through the establishment of the HIV Prevention Programme Team, this surely ensures the sustainable integration of HIV prevention programme at PT Angkasa Pura II,” said Early Dewi Nuriana, the ILO’s programme officer for HIV Prevention Programme.

Various programmes on HIV education and VCT initiatives taken by Angkasa Pura II have shown that a strong commitment demonstrated by the top management level is the key in sustaining the promotion of company’s non- discriminatory policy and HIV prevention programmes from the headquarter to all of its branches offices.
“Sustainable programmes and policy are important in reducing stigma and discrimination at workplace and in ensuring high awareness on HIV prevention programme for more productive ages. These are ways to maintain issues on health and productivity related to HIV,” added Early.

The VCT@Work initiative was launched in 2013 by the ILO, UNAIDS, the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and the International Trade Unions Confederations (ITUC). The initiative is seen as a critical step towards achieving the target of ending AIDS by 2030.