UNAIR NEWS – Public Health Program PSDKU Universitas Airlangga in Banyuwangi was visited by Wijianto or Cak Gareng. PSDKU UNAIR in Banyuwangi became the first location of book review by Cak Gareng, Monday, May 21.
Since diagnosed with HIV / AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), Cak Gareng has been deliberately living away from the family. Cak Gareng has a humanitarian mission to preach about persistence in fighting negative response of his illness. Until then, he wrote a book about his long journey for two years and three days.
Room A102 Sobo campus PSDKU UNAIR in Banyuwangi, Jejak Cak Gareng’s book was reviewed first time in the presence of about 40 students and lecturers.
Yuda Prayogi students as well as participants of book review revealed that Cak Gareng book is about his travel around Indonesia. Various viewpoints and ideas are packed in the form of inspiring opinions and stories.
“How can an HIV-infected man walk as far as 4150 KM, pass 115 cities / regencies in 30 provinces, survive in the forest, have discussions with thousands of students (68 campuses and schools / about 6538 people), meet with local leaders, meet with the community from various layers and exchange motivation with the HIV community, ” Yuda said.
Cak Gareng told UNAIR NEWS that his book is not a life story but about how to live a life that is beneficial to others.
“On his journey, Cak Gareng conveyed an anti-discrimination message. He reminded the dangers of HIV / AIDS, inviting anyone to prevent its transmission. He met students, officials, homeless people, activists, and others. He just wanted to say, “There should be no discrimination on the infected, fellow human beings have the same rights and expectations,” said Yuda.
The book review was facilitated by PSDKU UNAIR in Banyuwangi. There was Desak Made Sintha, Susy Katikana Sebayang, and several other lecturers. Representatives from the Banyuwangi District AIDS Commission (KPA), Healthy Working Group (KKBS), Policy Analysis and Harmonization Center (Pushaka), and some friends of the HIV community in Banyuwangi were also present.
“In this book, there is hardly any discriminatory tone I hear. All goes with kinship. It is unexpected as this book with Red and White cover will be first reviewed in Banyuwangi, “said Gareng.
“Hopefully in the future many people who know and have awareness on the presence of this book. I want this book to not only give, but also share, although it may be difficult to solve the problem of HIV and AIDS in Indonesia, “said Gareng. (*)
Author: Siti Mufaidah
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
