Stigmatisasi dan Diskriminasi Terhadap Odha di Maumere dalam Terang Teologi Pemerdekaan Mangunwijaya

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the experiences of stigma and discrimination experienced by People Living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHA) in Maumere-Flores. The authors conducted qualitative research using in-depth interviews and participatory observation at the Flores Plus Support-Maumere Peer Support Group (KDS) from December 2022 to March 2023. Using the concept of Mangunwijaya’s theology of independence, this article analyzes the experiences of the suffering of PLHIV. According to Mangunwijaya, humans must be free from various forms of injustice that degrade their dignity. Two indicators for assessing the struggles of PLWHA are awareness of experiences of oppression and aspirations for self-determination. The results of this study indicate that situations of slavery as opposed to true freedom are still often experienced by PLHIV in Maumere. They are labeled as disgrace person, shunned by their families, or even thrown out of their homes. However, on the other hand, they are also aware of their suffering and try to find a way out of these various traumatic experiences.