Indonesian Lawmakers Back Draft Bill on LGBTQ Issues, Emphasizing Social Guidance

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has expressed support for a draft bill concerning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) issues, proposed by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The MUI's draft includes proposed criminal sanctions, aligning with its 2014 Fatwa, aiming to deter LGBTQ behavior and mitigate perceived social threats.

Singgih Januratmiko, Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR, emphasized that the bill's provisions must harmonize with Pancasila, religious norms, and the strengthening of family institutions in Indonesia. He advocated for a rational and just approach, incorporating religious and social perspectives. "The approach used must include prevention, education, and social guidance," Januratmiko stated, cautioning against a sole focus on legal enforcement or deterrence.

While the DPR has not officially received the draft academic text from the MUI, Januratmiko assured that any future discussions would be transparent, participatory, and accountable. The commission is open to input from religious leaders, academics, legal practitioners, and LGBTQ groups to ensure the resulting regulation is objective, just, and beneficial to society. "What is most important is that every legal content is comprehensively studied to uphold the principles of legal certainty, Eastern values, and prevailing religious norms," he added.

Januratmiko identified the criminal provisions related to LGBTQ issues as a crucial matter, noting that current laws like the Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence (TPKS) and the Criminal Code (KUHP) are too general. He believes a specific regulation is necessary to provide clearer legal grounds for action and education regarding LGBTQ behavior in public spaces. The MUI's initiative stems partly from President Prabowo Subianto's 2025-2029 National Defense Policy, which lists the spread of LGBTQ culture as a non-military threat.