Where We Work

Indonesia

Task Order 1 of the USAID | Health Policy Initiative (HPI) began work in Indonesia in May 2006.  The focus of HPI in Indonesia is twofold.  First, the initiative provides technical assistance to address policy challenges to ensure the successful implementation of prevention, outreach, testing, care, and treatment services.  Second, the project provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of the National AIDS Commission (NAC) to respond to the HIV epidemic through improved planning and resource allocation. 

The project works in close collaboration with the USAID-funded "Aksi Stop AIDS" (ASA) Program.  ASA aims to contain the HIV epidemic in Indonesia by reducing incidence in most at-risk groups to prevent a generalized epidemic; and, in Papua, which is already experiencing a generalized epidemic, it seeks to reduce incidence in the general population.  HPI helps ASA address the key policy areas that are essential for the success and expansion of the program.

The project is also building the NAC's capacity for strategic planning and evidence-based decisionmaking and resource allocation.  Using the Goals Model, HPI is also strengthening NAC's capacity to help provinces design costed HIV action plans to set realistic targets.  In addition, HPI is analyzing the barriers impeding effective implementation of HIV prevention programs for most at-risk populations. 

Moreover, by supporting HIV prevention, policy analysis, and systems strengthening, HPI's activities contribute to achievement of the goals of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Advocates Push For Change at the Local Level.  Although there has been clear evidence of increased government commitment to the national HIV response at all levels, policies and strategies have not been translated into local regulations—a key step in Indonesia's decentralized health system. In December 2008, 17 facilitators who had previously been trained by HPI, conducted advocacy workshops to build the skills of local advocates to push for local governments to strengthen their responses to HIV.

Muslim Leaders Advocate for HIV Prevention.  In Indonesia, Muslim leaders can be instrumental in addressing barriers to HIV prevention at the community level.  While national leaders have been supportive of HIV prevention efforts, support at the community level has lagged behind.  With support from HPI, in East Java, the local heads of two of the largest Muslim organizations in the country—Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah—have become policy champions and are actively engaged in advocating for HIV prevention in the Muslim community.  They have written articles in local newspapers, engaged in policy discussions to support implementation of a 100 percent condom use policy in East Java, and engaged their fellow religious leaders in discussions on the translation of Islamic directives into community-level actions. 

National AIDS Commission Establishes Working Group for Gay, Transgender, and MSM.  MSM/TG populations remain very much hidden in Indonesia, which limits their access to healthcare and makes them difficult to reach with HIV prevention efforts.  With support from the project, an informal network of individuals and organizations working on targeted HIV prevention for MSM/TG was able to gain recognition from the National AIDS Commission (KPA).  The Working Group for Gay, Transgender, and MSM, was formally established under the KPA on May 29, 2008.  The working group provides a platform for MSM/TG to influence policymaking and program planning. Its guidance will inform the development of an overall MSM/TG strategy and operational plan-which will be designed to increase access to services, reduce stigma and discrimination, and decrease HIV prevalence among this vulnerable population.