Rik Glauert – Government officials in Indonesia have stepped in to defend a HIV and AIDS support group after it was shut down last week amid the country's anti-LGBTI crackdown.
An Islamic vigilante group, supported by local police and military, raided Indonesian Social Change Organization (OPSI) in Pekanbaru, Sumatra. They claimed residents had reported 'unusual activity'.
But, the National and Political Unity Agency said this week OPSI was operating legally, according to Coconuts. They found no 'LGBT activity', they said.
Rights activists and medical professionals in Indonesia warn that anti-LGBTI paranoia is hampering efforts to tackle the country's HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men. Around 25% of men who have sex with men in Indonesia are HIV positive.
OPSI is a national network working with the government and other organizations on HIV and STI prevention, according to their website.
OPSI manager Ruli Ramadhani told the Merdeka last week the office had all the necessary permits from local and government officials.LGBTI crackdown
Indonesia's crackdown on its LGBTI population is intensifying in the run-up to elections in April. Homosexuality and being transgender is legal in most of Indonesia. But, rising Islamic fundamentalism has led to a crackdown on the community.
Since 2016, authorities have been using blasphemy, pornography and public nuisance laws to arrest LGBTI Indonesians. What's more, local administrations have also been introducing their own legislation to target the population.
Pekanbaru city council member, Mulyadi Anwar, used last week's raid as part of his election campaign. He said officials banned the organization for bringing together same-sex and transgender sex workers.
'Unusual activity' and condoms
Vigilante group the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) led the raid last week. Army, police, and local residents joined them. Media coverage of the raid shows officials removing the organization's signboard.
A resident told The Republika he had seen men wearing short skirts leaving the building.
Footage of the raid appears to show FPI officers presenting condoms as evidence. They also shared images of a pink room with Hello Kitty curtains.
The manager also reiterated that the organization gives information on HIV and STI prevention and was not pushing for LGBTI rights.
Source: https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/indonesia-govt-steps-in-to-protect-hiv-support-group/