Padang (ANTARA) – Nine companies in West Sumatra received awards from Indonesia’s manpower minister for implementing HIV/AIDS prevention and response programs in the workplace, a local official said on Tuesday.“These companies created inclusive, safe and stigma-free workplaces through education, screening and assistance programs related to HIV/AIDS,” West Sumatra administration official Ahmad Zakri said in Padang.Zakri said RSIA Restu Ibu and PT KAI Divre II West Sumatra received platinum awards, the program’s highest category.Gold awards went to PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh, PT Agrimitra Utama Persada, PT Semen Padang, PT Statika Mitrasarana Unit SPPBE and PT Sarana Mechanical Service Unit BPT.Silver awards were presented to PT Pelabuhan Indonesia Regional II Teluk Bayur and PT Sumbar Andalas Kencana Indrapura.Zakri said workplace HIV/AIDS prevention programs are an important part of labor protection and corporate health promotion efforts.“Workplaces have a strategic role in education, prevention and eliminating stigma and discrimination against workers living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.He added that the programs also support efforts to create healthy and productive working environments.The provincial government welcomed companies that had adopted internal policies, education programs and counseling services related to HIV/AIDS for employees, Zakri said.Meanwhile, West Sumatra Manpower and Transmigration Agency Head Firdaus Firman said he hoped the awards would encourage other companies to adopt similar programs.He urged businesses in West Sumatra to strengthen concern for worker health and include HIV/AIDS issues in occupational safety and health programs.“This is not merely an award, but part of our shared responsibility to create healthy and humane workplaces,” Firman said.