Trueblue

There are several foundations in Indonesia who on the whole rely on donations from overseas

Having seen firsthand how the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are treated by others, including the medical officers, it is indeed a great homework for Indonesia to educate their people the truth about HIV/AIDS. This case is a small step towards winning a great battle against discrimination. I'm glad that they are gracious enough to admit their mistakes in committing discrimination (and hope others can follow suit - re: Diani, Mayor of Bogor). But still, all of us who know better should strive to educate those who are still ignorant about discrimination. This is not only about PLHA, this is about discriminative act. It applies to religious, race, nationality, social and economic status of the victims of discrimination. I sincerely hope this good action does not go unnoticed and be used to support other causes. Well done, Mr. @fajarjasmin!!!

trueblue, while your suggestion obviously has merit, my first inclination is to see the Don Bosco community educated abouts HIV/AIDS before they have further contact with people who have HIV/AIDS. Otherwise there is a risk the exercise you suggest could end up a patronizing and demeaning experience for the recipients. I wouldnt want to receive anything from the Don Bosco community until the Don Bosco community sorted itself out and stopped hectoring twenty feet above life's contradictions.

The people who need help here are not only the victims of their gross ignorance and insenitivity - but the Don Bosco community itself. And they are not alone.

I head of one woman with HIV/AIDS who goes to a state clinic for state funded medication and the nurses give her matchboxes with dead ants in them - and looks of contempt.

I have also heard of doctors discussing patients in hospital cafeterias making moral judgements about them. These people are in the wrong profession.

@padt.Your overview from an academic and moral viewpoint is spot on. However, as this child is no doubt asking the perplexing question "why me?" something practical must be advanced from this incident. Would it be unreasonable to suggest that Don Bosco establish an educational foundation for children living with HIV/AIDS? Compassion with action would be a wonderful result.

The very public apology from Don Bosco school is to be welcomed and accepted.

But it should not be regarded as 'extraordinary'. If such an apology is 'extraordinary' in Indonesia it highlights a fault in the national psyche. Saying sorry when you know you are in the wrong should be a matter of course. Issues about 'saving face' are out moded in this modern world - even in Asia, where unfortunately this still holds a tyranny over people and indeed, governments.

As well, what this case has highlighted is an alarming ignorance on the part of the Don Bosco community (a) concerning people's rights and the law and (b) HIV/Aids.

The school clearly acted in ignorance of both.

They have apologised. Their apology is welcomed and should be accepted.

And the school - along with many other institutions and individuals I suspect, should work at becoming familiar with both human rights, the law and HIV/AIDs.

No one has the right to act independently and in ignorance.