13 HIV Positive Workers, Warung Remang-remang Comb Health Office In Ponorogov

PONOROGO - The Health Office (Dinkes) Ponorogo, East Java, is intensifying health screening in a number of nightclubs, cafes, karaoke, and boarding houses, following the findings of 13 ODHA (People with HIV/AIDS) among dimly lit cafe workers in Siman District, Ponorogo.

Head of the Ponorogo Health Office, Dyah Ayu Puspitangingarti, said the examination was part of a routine screening program, but the intensity was increased after a public report was made regarding the potential spread of the HIV virus in the area.

"Through this screening, we hope to detect cases as early as possible, so that transmission can be prevented and treatment can be given immediately," said Dyah Ayu, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, May 8.

Previously, the Ponorogo Health Office found 13 dimly lit shop workers in the Siman-Jabung Highway area, Siman District, who tested positive for HIV.

This finding came from an examination of 29 workers in 14 dimly lit stalls who were suspected of being the location of hidden prostitution practices. The Ponorogo Regency Government then carried out further control of all other dimly lit stalls in the Siman area.

Warung yang tidak mengantongi izin resmi atau terbukti melakukan praktik yang melanggar kemarinan umum ditutup dengan cara tersembungi.

Similar checks will also be expanded to other areas categorized as vulnerable, such as nightclubs, karaoke, boarding houses, and areas with high-resident mobility.

"Officers will go down with Satpol PP to these locations. Our focus includes boarding houses, nightclubs, dimly lit stalls, and karaoke places," he said.

Data from the Ponorogo Health Office noted that throughout 2023, 85 new cases of HIV have been found with the majority of patients aged 25 to 40 years. The following year in 2024 the number of cases increased to 110 new cases.

Meanwhile, until April 2025 there were 137 cases of HIV/AIDS in the region.

Dyah said the increase in cases was an alarm for all parties to be more active in education, early detection, and encourage healthy living behavior in society.

"Prevention is more important. We invite the public to routinely carry out examinations and not be afraid to undergo treatment if HIV is detected. This is not the end of everything, what is important is sustainable handling and environmental support," said Dyah Ayu Puspitangingarti.