Indonesian Ulema Council to Draft Rules Criminalizing LGBT

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is set to discuss the drafting of an academic paper aimed at criminalizing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. This discussion is scheduled to take place during the Indonesian Islamic Congress from July 24-26, 2026.

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At the Indonesian Islamic Congress, which will take place from the 24th to the 26th, we will discuss it within the congress. So that the input from the participants will strengthen its substance and strengthen that aspiration.

Wahiduddin Adams, MUI's head of legal affairs, stated that the congress aims to strengthen the academic paper through input from participants. He explained that the initiative responds to public aspirations, as many Indonesians view the LGBT issue as needing legal regulation. Adams noted that various regions are already initiating local regulations concerning LGBT issues, underscoring the need for comprehensive study to ensure strong academic foundations for any national legislation.

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The issue of LGBT, even LGBTQ, has now become an issue and there are many responses from the public. Therefore, from a regulatory perspective, we must respond to it, because one of the laws is also formed based on the legal needs of the community.

Adams further clarified that MUI's stance on LGBT is already established in its religious edicts, deeming it contrary to religious teachings. He emphasized that a good law must have clear objectives, be implementable, effective, and precisely formulated to avoid multiple interpretations. The drafting process will involve various experts, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals, to ensure comprehensive input and meaningful participation from all stakeholders.

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Religiously, MUI's view on LGBT is already clear in MUI's fatwa. Something is forbidden, especially if they do things that violate religion.

Previously, MUI Deputy Chairman Cholil Nafis had asserted that moral appeals alone were insufficient to curb the increasing visibility of same-sex relations and gender non-conformity in public spaces. He affirmed MUI's consistent opposition to LGBT behavior and promotional campaigns, urging individuals to return to their "natural state." MUI plans to prepare an academic paper and a draft criminal bill, awaiting discussion and enactment by the House of Representatives.

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We are preparing an academic paper and a draft criminal bill, it is up to the DPR to discuss and enact it.