Despite its proven capability of preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, condom remains unpopular among men in Central Kalimantan.

A recent survey jointly conducted by the provincial chapter of the Association of Indonesian Family Planning (PKBI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency revealed that only 30 percent of respondents had ever seen the contraceptive device.

The survey also found only 2 percent of the respondents had ever touched condom, and only a half of them had used it.

Director of the PKBI chapter, Mirhan, said most respondents rejected condoms for various reasons, including inconvenience and lack of practicality. Some of the respondents also said they were afraid of leaving their condoms inside their partners' vaginas.

"The low rate of condom use confirms the low participation rate of men in the family planning program," Mirhan said as quoted by Antara news agency.

He added that PKBI would continue promoting condoms through a campaign to increase public awareness of sexually transmitted infections, particularly HIV.