‘My country doesn't love me back’: Indonesia’s LGBTQ community faces a rising tide of fear
JAKARTA, Sept 2 — Indonesian doctor “Pierre” says he is always on edge. He is gay, but hides it, with...
Indonesian LGBTQ community faces rising fear
Jakarta, September 2 - A growing tide of fear is sweeping over Indonesia’s LGBTQ community as anti-LGBTQ sentiment escalates in the Southeast Asian nation. Even those who dare to be open about their sexual orientation often live in constant apprehension, with attacks on transgender women and gay individuals becoming alarmingly frequent.
The government has issued a regulation labeling LGBTQ groups as a "threat," and public officials have openly mocked them. Lawmakers are considering proposals from Islamic leaders to criminalize sexual "deviancy." Out of fear, many LGBTQ people, like the young doctor in Java island named "Pierre," choose to hide their true selves, even from their own parents.
Pierre, who has agreed to be interviewed under the condition of anonymity, feels unsafe as a member of the queer community. He self-censors on social media and adjusts his mannerisms, avoiding clothing that could be perceived as feminine. The pressure comes from all angles - the government, religious leaders, and society in general.
In recent weeks, Amnesty International Indonesia reported attacks on about a dozen transgender women in Bogor, near Jakarta. Some were stripped naked or had glass bottles thrown at them, while others were forced to urinate on themselves. Social media is filled with videos of youths, calling themselves "Boti hunters," roaming the streets of Indonesian cities with anti-LGBTQ posters and spreading fear.
Observers say anti-LGBTQ crusaders feel they have political license. President Prabowo Subianto issued a decree last October classifying LGBTQ culture as a "non-military threat" to the state. This, according to Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia's executive director, is a tactic to divert attention from more pressing issues like unemployment and economic slowdown.
The consequences are dire. LGBTQ people are increasingly reluctant to seek healthcare, potentially putting their health at risk. Religious and political conservatives refuse to budge, with some demanding the elimination of LGBTQ people from Indonesia. Despite these challenges, some activists remain hopeful. They emphasize that opposition to LGBTQ people is deeply rooted in many national religions, but they stress the importance of challenging these beliefs for a more inclusive and safe future.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
