Yudhi Oktaviadhi, Protection for People with HIV/AIDS

KOMPAS/SAIFUL RIJAL YUNUS

Yudhie Oktav Yudhi F. Oktaviadhi, initiator of Syair for Sahabat Foundation.

The mid-2000s was a dark period for Yudhi F Oktaviadhi. One by one, some of his closest relatives were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).It was too late for some of them, including his younger brother. He began to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and continues to do so today, accompanying children with HIV/AIDS.

“Little Angel, A New Single Song of /RIF”. Those were some of the words on a poster that was neatly framed. On Thursday (12/27/2018), the poster was put on the wall of a house, which was also the secretariat of the Syair Untuk Sahabat Foundation (SUSF) in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta. The rock concert took place in 2017 at Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta as part of the commemoration of World AIDS Day.

Dozens of other posters were on one part of the wall. One similarity of all of these posters, which are about music events, book launches, or meet and greets with actress Manohara, is the logo of syair.org.

Yudhi, 46, said those posters were mostly the events carried out by the foundation he founded. In addition to song launches, concerts, or meet and greets with artists, there are also book launches, goods auctions, and film competitions. Not to be missed, of course, which is quite phenomenal, is the auction of goods and chatting with world soccer player, Rio Ferdinand, in 2011.

All of these activities were carried out by the Syair Foundation. The ideas and committees also come from the foundation that focuses on assisting children with HIV/AIDS.

“People say this foundation is partly an EO [event organizer], it’s not wrong,” he said. “We really want to do something different, creative,

and independent. In each activity, we also always insert socialization about understanding related to PLWHA. While we use the results [activities] for the foundation’s operations,” he added.

The proceeds from a number of programs were sufficient for the foundation’s operational costs. The outcome from a book launching with Indonesian soccer player Bambang Pamungkas could support the foundation for two years. However, not rarely there were also activities that give the committee nothing. One activity in 2018 must be delayed due to cost factors. Even so, other activities continued to run, including the gathering with a motorcycle community in Bandung, West Java, which is the last activity in 2018.

Through these various activities, Syair can work independently, without relying on donations. “We certainly accept if anyone wants to donate. We also did not even submit proposals to get funding from donor agencies for operations,” said Yudhi, who always chose to stay behind the screen of this foundation.

Through this way, they proved they could still survive for nine years. A few weeks ago, precisely on Tuesday (12/18/2018), the Syair Foundation commemorated its ninth anniversary.

Accompaniment

The Syair Foundation, which was co-founded by Yudhi and a number of colleagues, is a foundation that focuses on assisting children with HIV/AIDS. Currently there are approximately 100 children that are being assisted and accompanied. Within a month, there are at least one or two consultations, which consist of several activities, including study classes, nutrition, and additional food. For mothers of those children, there is also a creative class.

Every three months, there is a blood check for each child. This examination is carried out in a hospital with facilities from the foundation. Not only that, every few months, there are also tours that take children to tourist attractions or historical sites.

The activities carried out are indeed focused on the growth of these extraordinary children. They are given nutrients for good growth and development. Additional classes are held to improve abilities.

“Most importantly they have an environment that supports them and does not ostracize or discriminate against them. They have self-confidence and can defend themselves,” said Yudhi. The foundation’s big goal is to extend their life expectancy and provide them a space to remain creative and independent.

Although he chooses not to be associated with SUSF, the foundation would have never been born without Yudhi, who’s journey to this stage is not without reason. The mid-2000s was a time when several people around him were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, including his younger sibling. Lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, prevention, treatment and transmission causes ended their lives too soon.

He then sought out information for himself. He actively visited a foundation that accommodated PLWHA in Bogor. There he learned many things. In 2009, he launched a book called Poems for Friends. The book launch attracted attention from many parties, not only from observers and people involved in this issue, but also from artists to athletes. One of them is the legendary Indonesian guitarist, Ian Antono, who then invited Yudhi to make a song released in 2009.

From there, he wants to continue mentoring activities. A number of artists are involved and active as the administrators. During the first class for children in Suropati Park, Menteng, for example, more than 120 children showed. At present some of these children are teenagers.

Therefore, even though his background is that of a sports journalist and a graduate of German literature, something unrelated to the HIV/AIDS issue, Yudhi is able to explain clearly this issue, ranging from wrong perceptions about viruses to discrimination that often occurs in PLWHA.

“HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] attacks CD4 or white blood cells. This type of blood is crucial for fighting infections that occur,”

Yudhi said. He then explained various types of transmission, known as ESSE (exit, survive, sustain, enter).

Through the foundation and assistance, he wants the children feel protected, while extending their life expectancy. Not only that, he also hopes that understanding about HIV/AIDS will become more widespread.

“Discrimination occurs because of a lack of understanding. I dream that when understanding is spread, our children will get strong support from anywhere, discrimination will disappear, and they can grow and live much better,” he said.

Yudhi F Oktaviadhi

Born: Bandung, Oct. 14, 1972 Education:

- Master’s degree in management from Pelita Harapan University

- Undergraduate degree in German literature from STBA Yapari Bandung

- Co-founder of Syair Untuk Sahabat Foundation (SUSF)