Introduction: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be challenging since it needs to be continued for a lifetime. In their age, adolescents start to be responsible for their life and this continued therapy might be a challenge for them.

Objective: This study explored the experiences of adherence to ART in adolescents living with HIV in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Method: A qualitative approach was employed to explore challenges faced by adolescents in ART adherence which more focused on positive aspects of the experience. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten adolescents who were selected purposively based on criteria including those aged 13-19 years, been diagnosed with HIV infection and receiving ART more than a year, and never having discontinued ART. All participants were registered in the outpatient clinic in one top referral hospital in Jakarta. The data analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Interviews with ten adolescents revealed three interconnected ART adherence themes: living a normal life, wanting to be healthy, and taking medication on time.

Conclusion: Health services are expected to provide rewards for adolescents who adhere to ART.

Keywords: adherence, adolescents with HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, appreciative inquiry