Indonesian Minister asks public not to take matters into own hands with LGBT groups

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has called on all elements of society to refrain from vigilantism or taking matters into their own hands when responding to the issue of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) groups. Umar emphasized that Indonesia is a nation governed by law, with binding regulations and a constitution.

"Everything has rules. I urge all parties to work within the existing legal framework. If there are violations or deviations, let us resolve them legally and not resort to vigilantism," the minister stated at a press conference following the closing of the Indonesian Islamic Congress VIII in Jakarta on Sunday night. He stressed that acts of vigilantism are fundamentally contrary to the principles of a law-based state.

Furthermore, Umar assured that the government upholds human rights and gender equality. He added that the state provides space for freedom of expression for all citizens and appreciates aspirations, as long as they are conveyed openly and do not violate applicable laws. This statement comes as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is reportedly finalizing academic papers and a draft law concerning the criminalization of LGBT acts, focusing on behavior and public campaigning rather than sexual orientation itself.

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Everything has rules. I urge all parties to work within the existing legal framework. If there are violations or deviations, let us resolve them legally and not resort to vigilantism.