Indonesia: 56 Arrested in Raid on “Same-Sex Party”

Authorities in Indonesia continue to crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals using anti-pornography laws to violate their right to privacy.

On 1 February, police in Jakarta arrested 56 men during a raid on what they described as a “same-sex sex party” at a hotel.

According to Reuters, three of those arrested were charged with organising the private gathering and facilitating “pornography” services. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.

Authorities confiscated condoms and HIV medication at the scene, which are now being held as evidence.

This raid mirrors a similar incident in 2020 when police targeted a “gay party” at another Jakarta hotel. Nine individuals then were charged with “facilitating obscene acts” under Indonesia’s strict anti-pornography laws.

Homosexuality Legal but Increasingly Repressed

While homosexuality is technically legal in most of Indonesia, it is criminalised in Aceh province under Sharia law.

In Aceh, punishments for Muslims include public flogging and fines for same-sex relations, as well as for other “offences” such as not wearing a hijab, gambling, drinking alcohol, and extramarital sex.

Over recent years, Indonesia has taken a starkly more conservative approach toward LGBTQ rights. Once known for its relative tolerance, the country has shifted to a repressive stance on sexuality and gender identity.

Rising Persecution and Public Health Crisis

LGBTQ individuals in Indonesia face routine discrimination, abuse, and arrest. The authorities often invoke anti-pornography laws to justify their actions.

Morality police have also raided private residences and businesses, while the government continues to censor LGBTQ representation in the media.

At the time, Human Rights Watch warned that the crackdown was contributing to a major public health crisis. HIV rates among men who have sex with men were reportedly spiking, as fear of arrest deterred many from accessing essential health services.

In 2019, the mayor of Padang, a city in West Sumatra, called on the army to round up gay people and subject them to “guidance” or even exorcisms to make them straight.