Indonesian Government Denies Regulation Legalizes LGBT Discrimination

Indonesia's government has designated the spread of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture as a non-military threat under Presidential Regulation No. 111 of 2025. However, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Prisons Yusril Ihza Mahendra clarified that the regulation, signed by President Prabowo Subianto on October 24, 2025, does not legitimize discrimination against the LGBT community.

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The mention of the spread of LGBT culture as a non-military threat should not be interpreted as the government opening the door for the public to persecute, commit violence, or threaten individuals belonging to the LGBT community.

Mahendra emphasized that all citizens, including those identifying as LGBT, are entitled to legal protection and human rights. He stated that the inclusion of LGBT cultural spread as a non-military threat is a measure to read risks affecting national resilience, specifically concerning values, ethics, the character of the youth, family, digital space, and social cohesion. The government's concern is to prevent the widespread growth of LGBT culture in Indonesia.

"What the government considers a threat is the campaign, propaganda, and socialization of LGBT behavior with the aim of changing values that align with the nation's culture and morality," Mahendra explained. He asserted that the government upholds Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, viewing LGBT culture as incompatible with Pancasila and rejected by recognized religions in Indonesia. The regulation is intended as a government intervention to counter the spread of LGBT culture, which is seen as conflicting with religious norms, public order, and youth development goals.

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What the government considers a threat is the campaign, propaganda, and socialization of LGBT behavior with the aim of changing values that align with the nation's culture and morality.

Despite the government's assurances, human rights organizations like Amnesty International Indonesia have criticized the regulation. Amnesty argues that classifying the spread of LGBTQ culture as a non-military threat, akin to serious crimes, violates fundamental constitutional rights. They believe the government's decision infringes upon guaranteed rights.

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The approach taken remains within the legal framework, respecting the dignity of every citizen, and paying attention to the social, cultural, and religious values that live within Indonesian society.