Cinta dari Wamena aims to raise HIV awareness

The Australian Government, through its aid program AusAID, together with the District Government of Jayawijaya and the Ford Foundation today launched nation-wide screenings of Cinta dari Wamena (From Wamena with Love) in Jakarta.

The movie follows the story of three friends who leave their village homes to chase their dreams in Wamena, the largest town in Papua’s highlands. Along the way, they deal not only with a new way of life, but also HIV/AIDS.

The film, directed by Lasja Susatyo, will hit cinemas across the country on 13 June.

Leading the cast for the film are newcomers Maximus Itlay and Benyamin Lagowan, both students at Cenderawasih University in Jayapura, who deliver powerful performances. Big names such as Nicholas Saputra and Susan Bachtiar play supporting roles in the film.

“Innovative approaches are needed to raise public awareness of HIV and AIDS, to reduce stigma and discrimination and reduce HIV transmission,” said Jacqui De Lacy, Head of AusAID Indonesia. “I am proud that AusAID, through its HIV partnership with Indonesia, has been able to support this film and reach out to new audiences with a positive message about HIV and AIDS.”

Following the film’s release, AusAID will support screenings and discussions in Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, South Sulawesi, Papua and West Papua alongside local governments, civil society organisations, schools and universities.

“The outreach activities will ensure Cinta dari Wamena is seen by more young people, and so increase their awareness and understanding of HIV and AIDS issues in their community,” said Jacqui De Lacy.

Australia is providing $25 million to help improve access to HIV services in Papua and West Papua, which have the highest rates of HIV in Indonesia, through the new Rapidly Expanding Access to Care for HIV (REACH) program, which will increase the number of people who get HIV care and treatment. The program is part of the $100 million HIV partnership between Australia and Indonesia (2008-16).

Media inquiries:
Rendy Djauhari, Public Affairs, AusAID Indonesia, 08111904823