[Nulgath]

Bogor - Authorities in Bogor, West Java, have instituted a regulation requiring bridal candidates registering to marry in the city to undergo an HIV test, in the effort to contain the spread of the silent killer condition.

Bogor Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto explained the regulation was issued in response to recent reports pointing to a growing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the city.

According to the latest data, as of mid-2015 2,600 citizens tested positive for the virus that causes immunity deficiency, with 976 having developed full-blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.

"[Muslim] bridal candidates will receive counselling [for HIV testing] at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA), while non-Muslims will be counselled at other offices," he said.

The KUA is responsible for registering prospective brides and grooms, and issuing marriage certificates.

Bogor, a satellite city south of Jakarta, is renowned for its beautiful mountain resort in the Cisarua-Puncak area, but the region is also reputed to contain numerous sex workers, elevating the risk of more HIV infection among tourists seeking their service.

The number of HIV cases in Bogor is regarded as the highest among cities in West Java Province, and authorities suspect this figure is just the tip of the iceberg, with a large number of unreported cases.