Suherdjoko, Semarang – Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has responded to the recent expulsion of 14 elementary school students with HIV/AIDS in Surakarta, Central Java, calling on the relevant authorities to ensure the immediate re-enrollment of the students.
The Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician wants every related party, especially the Surakarta administration, to immediately provide assistance to the students.
"All citizens have the right to a good education. Children with HIV/AIDS should not be discriminated against," he said in Semarang, Central Java, over the weekend.
He also encouraged the parents of the expelled students to meet with Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo immediately, adding that the expulsion was probably a result of a lack of awareness among parents of other students.
"I want the parents who refused to have their children sit down in the classroom with the students with HIV/AIDS to have a discussion. They have to be given an explanation about what HIV/AIDS is, how it can be transmitted, and how to talk with them and so on," Ganjar said.
He also called on members of the public to refrain from being prejudice and acting in discriminatory ways against people and children with HIV/AIDS. "They should not be isolated. They need to be accompanied. Why exile people with an illness?" he said.
Previously, it was reported that 14 children were expelled from Purwotomo 74 state elementary school in Surakarta following pressure on the school's management by parents of other students.
The students had been enrolled in the school from the beginning of the year, but were forced to stop attending because of the protests. The school's management claimed it had no other choice.
The 14 students, who have not attended school for a week, are currently being given assistance by the Lentera Foundation.
Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo said he hoped a solution would be found by the end of the week. "Homeschooling was thought of as an option but that would be unfair. I hope they will be accepted in other schools," he said. (gis/swd)