SBY opens AIDS congress in Bali, talks about bombing

Erwida Maulia , The Jakarta Post , Nusa Dua, Bali | Sun, 08/09/2009 11:54 PM | World

Dance against AIDS: Participants storm the stage and dance together after the opening of the 9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Denpasar, on Sunday night. The congress runs until Thursday. JP/R. Berto Wedhatama

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially opened the 9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) in Bali on Sunday night, thanking foreign participants who attended the gathering despite the recent bombing in Jakarta.

"I guarantee that the recent attack in Jakarta would not change the fact that Indonesia is a stable, peaceful democracy which offers freedom, pluralism and tolerance," Yudhoyono said in his opening speech at Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park in Nusa Dua, Bali.

He said that the police would continue to trace down the suspected terrorists to ensure security in the country.

On Saturday, the police conducted two major operations against suspected terrorists, killing three suspected terrorists and arresting several others. One of the killed terrorists is reportedly Noordin M. Top of Malaysia, the region’s most wanted terrorist.

On HIV/AIDS, Yudhoyono said countries in the Asia Pacific region should strengthen their network, such as by establishing partnership in the field of HIV/AIDS vaccine and drug invention

More than 4,000 delegates and media persons from 65 countries worldwide are taking part in the four-day biennial international congress on AIDS, starting Sunday.

The event offers four main issues: understanding the epidemic and strengthening prevention efforts; strengthening partnership for treatment, care and support; understanding and addressing socio-cultural, economic and political determinants; as well as leadership and broadening the response