Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia is experiencing a concerning trend of increasing HIV/AIDS cases. Data from the Provincial Health Office indicates a rise in new diagnoses throughout 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the ongoing need for strengthened prevention, early detection and sustained treatment efforts across the region.
According to Suyuti Syamsul, Head of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Health Office, saw 419 new individuals diagnosed with HIV. The highest number of cases was recorded in Palangka Raya City, with 143, followed by Kotawaringin Timur Regency (Kotim) with 82 cases and Kotawaringin Barat Regency (Kobar) with 66 cases. Notably, Pulang Pisau Regency reported zero new cases during that period.
Of those diagnosed in , 375 individuals initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). As of , the number of new HIV diagnoses increased to 487. Palangka Raya City again recorded the highest number of cases, with 120, followed by Kotim with 78 and Kobar with 71. Pulang Pisau Regency reported only one new case.
Despite the increase in diagnoses, ensuring access to treatment remains a challenge. In , 359 of the 487 newly diagnosed individuals began ART. “This indicates there is still work to be done to ensure all diagnosed individuals promptly enter treatment services,” Syamsul stated on .
Field investigations suggest several factors contribute to the rising numbers, primarily risky sexual behaviors, including multiple partners and inconsistent condom use. Age, gender, and socioeconomic status also play a role. In , the largest proportion of new HIV diagnoses – 125 cases – were among men who have sex with men (MSM). Further diagnoses came from the general population (87 cases), individuals in high-risk partnerships (59 cases), and clients of sex workers (52 cases).
The Central Kalimantan Provincial Health Office assures that all healthcare facilities within the province are equipped to perform HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. 85 care, support, and treatment (PDP) services are available across all regencies and cities. “For treatment, we also provide free viral load testing to monitor the effectiveness of ART,” Syamsul added.
Regarding data for the beginning of , Syamsul explained that case reports are compiled routinely between the 5th and 15th of each month. A complete analysis of January data is not yet available. “ data is still being compiled, so we cannot yet release a complete report,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Central Kalimantan Provincial Health Office will prioritize several concrete steps to curb new HIV/AIDS cases in . These include health education and promotion, screening at health centers and hospitals, ensuring adequate supplies of HIV tests and condoms for key populations, maintaining ART availability for those diagnosed, providing STI treatment, and offering free viral load testing.
“Prevention and control must be carried out comprehensively and sustainably to reduce the number of new cases,” Syamsul concluded. The data is sourced from the SIHA Online Report of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Health Office for .
Recent data from neighboring East Kalimantan (Kaltim) also indicates a significant public health concern. According to a report from , hundreds of new HIV cases were identified between January and July , with Samarinda and Balikpapan cities reporting the highest numbers. The Ministry of Health is actively encouraging public participation in HIV/AIDS elimination efforts, emphasizing human rights and the reduction of stigma. A separate report from highlights Balikpapan as having the second-highest number of HIV cases in Kaltim, signaling a “red alert” for public health in the city.
