Antara, Jakarta – Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar on Sunday urged the public not to resort to vigilantism or persecution amid renewed debate over LGBT issues, saying any alleged legal violations should be handled through the country's justice system rather than by individuals.
Speaking after the closing of the eighth Indonesian Islamic Community Congress (KUII) in Jakarta, Nasaruddin said Indonesia is a state governed by law and that all citizens should respect legal procedures.
"Everything has its rules. I urge everyone to act within the existing legal framework. If there are violations or misconduct, let them be resolved through legal channels, not through taking the law into our own hands," he said.
Nasaruddin stressed that acts of vigilantism are incompatible with the principles of the rule of law. At the same time, he said the government remains committed to upholding human rights, gender equality and freedom of expression, provided those rights are exercised within the boundaries of Indonesian law.
His remarks come as conservative Islamic groups push for tougher legal measures against LGBT-related activities and rights groups warn of increasing harassment and discrimination against sexual minorities.
Earlier this month, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the country's top Islamic clerical body, said it had finalized an academic paper and a draft bill proposing criminal penalties for certain LGBT-related conduct. The organization plans to submit the proposal to President Prabowo Subianto and the House of Representatives.
Muhammad Cholil Nafis, deputy chairman of the MUI, said the proposal would not criminalize a person's sexual orientation itself, which the council describes as a condition that should be "treated" rather than punished.
Instead, the draft would seek criminal sanctions for acts such as same-sex sexual conduct, public displays of affection between same-sex couples and campaigning or promoting what the council describes as an LGBT lifestyle in public spaces or on social media.
The proposal has not been adopted by the government or parliament, and no legislative timetable has been announced.
Meanwhile, civil society groups say pressure on Indonesia's LGBT community has intensified in recent months.
The Indonesian Women's Alliance (Aliansi Perempuan Indonesia) cited the recent raid on a community gathering in Puncak, Bogor Regency, where dozens of people were detained. The alliance alleged participants were subjected to degrading treatment during questioning and were portrayed unfairly by authorities and the media without an opportunity to respond.
The group also criticized plans by several regional governments – including Bogor, Garut, Bandung and Makassar – to introduce anti-LGBT bylaws, as well as circulars issued in some areas aimed at preventing LGBT activities. It argued such measures would institutionalize discrimination through local regulations.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/religious-affairs-minister-warns-against-vigilantism-over-lgbt-issue