Indonesia minister urges public not to take matters into own hands on LGBT issue

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has called on all elements of society to refrain from vigilantism and self-justice when responding to the issue of Lesbian, Gay, Biseksual, and Transgender (LGBT) groups. He stressed that Indonesia is a nation governed by law, with established regulations and a constitution that must be respected.

Nasaruddin urged all parties to exercise restraint, act proportionally, and entrust the resolution of any alleged deviations to law enforcement agencies. "Everything has its rules. I urge all of us, all parties, to work within the existing legal corridors. If there are violations, deviations, let's resolve them legally and not take matters into our own hands," the minister stated at a press conference in Jakarta.

He further emphasized that vigilantism contradicts the principles of a law-based state. The government, he assured, upholds human rights and gender equality, while also respecting freedom of expression as long as it adheres to legal boundaries. This call for adherence to legal processes comes amidst ongoing discussions and efforts to address the LGBT issue within the country.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is finalizing a draft bill and academic paper concerning the criminalization of LGBT behavior. MUI's Deputy Chairman, Muhammad Cholil Nafis, indicated that the draft would be submitted to the President and the House of Representatives soon. The focus of the proposed legislation is not on sexual orientation itself, which MUI views as a condition to be healed, but on specific behaviors such as sexual abuse, same-sex intimacy, and public campaigns promoting such lifestyles.

MUI considers these actions detrimental to national dignity and a threat to Indonesia's national resilience. The council aims to criminalize these specific acts, distinguishing them from mere orientation, to protect societal values and national security.

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Everything has its rules. I urge all of us, all parties, to work within the existing legal corridors. If there are violations, deviations, let's resolve them legally and not take matters into our own hands.