Indonesia’s clerics warn against men in dresses for Independence festivities

Indonesia's top Islamic clerical body, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), has cautioned men against wearing women's clothing during Independence Day festivities, despite a long-standing tradition of men in dresses participating in games and parades. This warning comes amid a growing trend of anti-LGBTQ sentiment in the predominantly Muslim Southeast Asian nation.

The MUI, in a statement, declared such behavior as "haram" or forbidden, citing it as part of a covert campaign by the Lesbian, Gay, Sodomy and Obscenity (LGSP) movement. The Fatwa Commission's intervention aims to thwart this alleged campaign. Each year, on August 17, Indonesians participate in games, parades, and other festivities to commemorate their nation's declaration of independence from centuries of colonial rule.

Traditionally, some men don dresses and hijab to play football, a practice often viewed as humorous and not a statement on gender identity. However, the MUI's latest warning also applies to women dressing as men. This is not the first time the MUI has spoken out against gender-bending attire, but its latest caution comes as there has been a surge in physical attacks on LGBTQ individuals and a presidential regulation designating LGBTQ culture as a security threat.