Anoek Photojournalist

JOURNEYS: Merauke

West Papua 2008

HIV/AIDS in Indonesia particularly has the highest prevalence area in Merauke regency were it hits hardest on the Indigenous population. AIDS was brought in by traders, Thai fishermen and prostitutes from other parts of Indonesia who had unprotected sex with the locals. I've been visiting a few local brothels like Yobar and other red light districts around Merauke harbour. Advertising in brothels clearly states safe sex and compulsory testing has been made by local government. If attitudes don't change, Papua will face a social and economic catastrophy in the near future. During my stay in Merauke I visited Santo Antonius Foundation (Yasanto) who try to help AIDS patients. The foundation aided financial support for HIV test, medicines, handling mortal remains, family assistance and graveyards.

A protitute, who suffers HIV, rests at the brothel in Merauke's harbour were many Thai fisherman bring a visit
   
Ex-prostitute Sumiem (45), an HIV patient who was taken up with Yosanto to support her situation died from Tuberculosus, because of not taking regular medication. She was burried in Merauke in December 2007
   
A Moslim boy waits for his familynear a newly build Mosque in Merauke
     
  
Indonesian prostitutes from Makassar, Manadu and Kundary are waiting for clients to come to visit the secluded brothel in Merauke
   
HIV patient Mokaia (35) from East-Java lives with Yosanto since 2004 who provide her free ARV
   
Orphans exercise at the playground of the orphanage who supports children who's parents died of HIV
     
  
An Indonesian docter checks a pregnant woman at a home clinic in Merauke
   
A young Papuan student who moved from his village in Kimaan to Merauke in the hope for a better future sits on his bed in the students home he shares with 12 men
   
A young Papuan student who moved from his village in Kimaan to Merauke in the hope for a better future rests on his bed in the students home he shares with 12 men
     
  
Family members grief of a unexplainable death happened in December 2008 in a poor suburb in Merauke.
   
A young Papuan student who moved from his village in Kimaan to Merauke in the hope for a better future rests on his bed in the students home he shares with 12 men
   
Family members grief of a unexplainable death happened in December 2008 in a poor suburb in Merauke