[JURIST] The legislature in the Papua [official website, in Indonesian] province of Indonesia [JURIST news archive] is considering a measure mandating that certain individuals infected with HIV or AIDS be implanted [Reuters report] with microchips so the government can monitor their movements. The bill, which has yet to be passed, will attempt to monitor the activities of individuals who are infected with HIV/AIDS whom the government has deemed "sexually aggressive" or more likely to spread the virus. Local officials acknowledge that the policy is extreme but are concerned with the rapid spread of HIV throughout the Papua region. AIDS activists have sharply criticized the policy, which they see as demeaning to people who are living with HIV/AIDS. AP has more. The Jakarta Post has local coverage.

The bill comes forward as other countries have been examining or changing strict policies concerning HIV/AIDS. Indian officials are investigating the legality [JURIST report] of a ban that prohibits individuals who are HIV positive from serving in the military. China has recently relaxed [JURIST report] a ban against entering the country for any person who is HIV-positive.