24. Mai 2024

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Rechtliche Situation der LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft   

Öffentliche Rhetorik von Entscheidungsträger·innen            

Die LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft und staatliche Institutionen      

“Konversionstherapie”            

Diskriminierung der LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft 

Gesellschaftliche Diskriminierung       

Diskriminierung in Bildungsinstitutionen und am Arbeitsplatz         

Weiteres          

ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Queer Advocacy Week   

Indonesiens LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft online und in den Medien       

Situation von Transpersonen 

Situation in der Provinz Aceh 

Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.

Rechtliche Situation der LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft

Das australische Außenministerium (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DFAT) beschreibt in seinem Herkunftsländerbericht vom Juli 2023, dass es in Indonesien, mit Ausnahme in der Provinz Aceh, kein nationales Gesetz gegen gleichgeschlechtliche sexuelle Beziehungen gebe. In Aceh seien diese Beziehungen illegal und es herrsche die Prügelstrafe (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23-24; siehe auch: USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6; Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024). Laut Fair Planet seien LGBTIQ+-Rechte in Indonesien ein Tabuthema und das Land habe die gleichgeschlechtliche Ehe nicht legalisiert. Im Jahr 2017 hätten die Vereinten Nationen Indonesien dazu aufgefordert die Rechte queerer Menschen anzuerkennen und sie vollständig in die Gesellschaft zu integrieren. Die indonesische Regierung habe sich jedoch mit der Begründung geweigert, dass solche Forderungen im Widerspruch zu den Werten, der Kultur, der Spiritualität und dem rechtlichen Rahmen des Landes stünden (Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024).

Im Dezember 2022 habe das Parlament ein überarbeitetes Strafgesetzbuch verabschiedet. Das neue Gesetz werde drei Jahre nach seiner Verabschiedung in Kraft treten. Es stelle unteranderem [nichteheliches] Zusammenleben und Ehebruch unter Strafe. Es gebe die Möglichkeit einer Freiheitsstrafe von maximal einem Jahr. Da gleichgeschlechtlich Ehen in Indonesien illegal seien, könne das Gesetz laut DFAT faktisch gleichgeschlechtlichen Sex kriminalisieren. Laut dem Gesetz könnten nur direkte Familienangehörige Anzeige erstatten (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23-24; siehe auch: Amnesty International, 28. März 2023). Laut Reuters dürften nur Ehegatt·innen, Eltern oder Kinder mutmaßliche Straftaten melden. Expert·innen und Menschenrechtsgruppen hätte vor Missbrauch gewarnt. Laut Human Rights Watch (HRW) werde sich das Gesetz unverhältnismäßig stark auf LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft auswirken, da diese eher von Familien wegen Beziehungen, die diese missbilligen, angezeigt würden (Reuters, 11. Jänner 2023). HRW fügt im Jänner 2024 hinzu, dass das neue Gesetz einvernehmlichen Sex außerhalb der Ehe sowie das Zusammenleben nicht verwandter Personen kriminalisiere. Das Gesetz erkenne außerdem „jedes lebende Gesetz“ im Land an, was laut HRW als Legitimierung hunderter diskriminierender Vorschriften auf der Grundlage der Scharia (islamisches Recht) interpretiert werden könne, die lokalen Behörden in Gerichtsbarkeiten im ganzen Land erlassen hätten, darunter Ausgangssperren für Frauen und Mädchen und die Pflicht zum Hidschab – Kleiderordnungen und Bestimmungen, die sich auf die Rechte von LGBTIQ+-Personen auswirken könnten (HRW, 11. Jänner 2024).

Yayasan Aksi Keadilan Indonesia (AKSI) et al. nennen in einer gemeinsamen Einreichung beim UN-Ausschuss für wirtschaftliche, soziale und kulturelle Rechte aus 2024 eine regionale Verordnung zur Prävention und Regulierung sexuell abweichenden Verhaltens, die im Dezember 2021 von der Kommunalverwaltung des Bezirks Bogor City Government (West-Java) erlassen worden sei, als Beispiel für eine diskriminierende Vorordnung von Kommunalverwaltungen im Land. Die Verordnung charakterisiert LGBTIQ+-Personen als „sexuell abweichende“ Formen, die in die gleiche Kategorie wie Pädophile fallen würden, die eine negative Auswirkung auf das gemeinschaftliche Leben hätten. Die Verordnung regle die Notwendigkeit eines öffentlichen Sicherheitsmanagements, einer Zwangsrehabilitation und einer „Konversionstherapie“ für Menschen, bei denen ein „sexuell abweichendes“ Verhalten festgestellt werde. Schließlich könne die Identifizierung als LGBTIQ+-Person möglicherweise zu Sanktionen führen, einschließlich Freiheitsstrafen, Geldstrafen und/oder anderen Sanktionen gemäß anderen in Indonesien geltenden Vorschriften. Die Verordnung sei vom Stadtrat von Bogor genehmigt und werde in der gesamten Stadt offiziell durchgesetzt (AKSI et al., 2024, S. 2-3; siehe auch: Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 19-20).

Amnesty International berichtet im November 2023, dass die Regionalregierung von Garut, West-Java, im Juli 2023 die Anti-Unmoral-Verordnung („Anti-Immoratility Regulation“, Garut-Regionalverordnung Nr. 47/2023) erlassen habe. Die Verordnung schreibe vor, dass ein Team unter der Leitung des Bezirksleiters von Garut und der städtischen Polizeieinheit die Aktivitäten von LGBTIQ+-Personen überwachen und einschränken solle. Gemäß der Verordnung würden überwachte LGBTIQ+-Personen eine „vorbeugende Behandlung“ erhalten (Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 19-20; siehe auch: USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6). Laut der Menschenrechtsorganisation Arus Pelangi seien zwischen 2008 und 2017 mindestens 45 gegen die LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft diskriminierende lokale Vorschriften erlassen worden. Amnesty International merkt and, dass Indonesiens Regierung gemäß dem Internationalen Pakt über bürgerliche und politische Rechte (ICCPR), den Indonesien per Gesetz Nr. 12/2005 ratifiziert hat, gesetzlich dazu verpflichtet sei, das Recht auf freie Meinungsäußerung für alle zu respektieren, zu schützen, zu fördern. Außerdem sei das Recht frei von diskriminierender Behandlung zu leben in Artikel 28I, Abschnitt 2 der indonesischen Verfassung von 1945 verankert (Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 19-20).

Laut dem US-amerikanischen Außenministerium (US Department of State, USDOS) hätten NGOs von mehreren Fällen berichtet, in denen vage definierte Gesetze im Zusammenhang mit Pornografie und Prostitution dazu genutzt worden seien, um LGBTIQ+-Personen strafrechtlich zu verfolgen. NGOs hätten weiters berichtet, dass zahlreiche Vorschriften von Regionalregierungen gleichgeschlechtliches Sexualverhalten als eine Form sexueller Abweichung definieren würden. Solche lokalen Gesetze würden laut USDOS nur selten durchgesetzt (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Abschnitt 6).

Transmen Indonesia berichtet im Februar 2024, dass seit 2014 in Indonesien 18 neue diskriminierende Gesetze und Richtlinien umgesetzt worden seien, darunter die Verordnung „zur Prävention und zum Umgang mit sexuell abweichendem Verhalten“, zu dem unter anderem auf Homosexualität zähle, sowie elf weitere Vorschriften zum Familienschutz. In Vorschrift Nr. 17 von 2019 aus der Provinz West Sumatra zur Umsetzung der Familienresilienzentwicklung („Family Resilience Development“) heiße es in Artikeln 51 und 52, dass die Gemeinschaft an der Umsetzung der sozialen Wohlfahrt („social welfare) teilnehmen könne, indem sie die „Ausbreitung abweichender Verhaltensweisen wie Lesben, Schwule, Bisexuelle und Transgender“ verhindere (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 2-3).

Laut Freedom House würden lokale auf der Scharia basierende Verordnungen in vielen Bezirken Beschränkungen in Bezug auf Kleidung, Glücksspiel, Alkoholkonsum, öffentliche Zuneigungsbekundungen und sexuelle Aktivitäten vorschreiben. Diese Verordnungen würden unverhältnismäßig gegen Frauen und LGBTIQ+-Personen durchgesetzt (Freedom House, 2024, G3).

Laut Transmen Indonesia habe Indonesien kein umfassendes Antidiskriminierungsgesetz erlassen, das Diskriminierung, einschließlich indirekter Diskriminierung, aus allen Gründen, einschließlich Geschlechtsidentität und -ausdruck, verbietet (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 3). Die bestehenden diskriminierenden Gesetze und der Mangel an Schutz würden zur Entstehung diskriminierender Richtlinien in verschiedenen Institutionen wie Arbeitsplätzen und Bildungseinrichtungen beitragen. Im Dezember 2023 hätten zwei der größten Universitäten Indonesiens (Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universitas Gadjah Mada und Bandung Institute of Technology) ein Verbot von „LGBT-Verhalten“ erlassen (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 3-4).

Öffentliche Rhetorik von Entscheidungsträger·innen

Laut einem Freedom-House-Bericht aus 2024 würden LGBTIQ+-Personen in Indonesien unter weit verbreiteter Diskriminierung, hetzerischer und diskriminierender Rhetorik seitens der Behörden und Angriffen islamistischer Hardliner-Gruppen leiden (Freedom House, 2024, F4).

Amnesty International berichtet im November 2023, dass es Medienberichte verifiziert habe, laut denen Staatsbeamt·innen die Diskriminierung von LGBTIQ+-Personen unter anderen durch die Veröffentlichung diskriminierender Erklärungen und Vorschriften unterstützt hätten. Der Bürgermeister von Medan in Nord-Sumatra, M. Bobby Afif Nasution, habe im Jänner 2023 erklärt, dass es in der Stadt Medan keine LGBTIQ+-Personen gebe, die Stadt gleichgeschlechtliche Beziehungen nicht fördere und ein solches Verhalten daher vermieden werden müsse (Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 18; siehe auch: Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024; USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

Fair Planet veröffentlicht im Februar 2024 einen Artikel über die Auswirkungen der indonesischen Wahlen auf die queere Gemeinschaft. Fair Planet zitiert Chris Derek, eine 26-jährige nicht-binäre Person aus Tangerang. Laut Derek hätten bestimmte Politiker·innen (ohne Namen zu nennen) bei vergangenen Wahlen Anti-LGBTIQ+-Rhetorik als Wahlkampfstrategie genutzt. Auch Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi, Kommissar der Nationalen Menschenrechtskommission Indonesiens, habe in einer Pressekonferenz im Mai 2023 gesagt, dass LGBTIQ+-Personen im Land anfällig für „Politisierung“ seien, und habe darauf verwiesen, dass einige Parlamentskandidat·innen versprochen hätten, die Gemeinschaft zu „bekämpfen“, um mehr Stimmen zu gewinnen. Laut einer Pressemitteilung des indonesischen Repräsentantenhauses aus dem Jahr 2019 würden alle Aktivitäten im Zusammenhang mit LGBTIQ+-Themen als unangemessen gelten. Im Vorfeld der indonesischen Präsidentschaftswahl 2024 hätten mehrere Kandidat·innen ihre Positionen zu LGBTIQ+-Themen kundgetan. Während einer öffentlichen Diskussion in Jakarta im Dezember 2023 habe der indonesische Präsidentschaftskandidat Anies Rasyid Baswedan erklärt; persönlich gegen LGBTIQ zu sein. Er habe jedoch auch erklärt, dass es wichtig sei die Entscheidungen von LGBTQ+-Personen zu respektieren, und setze sich gegen Diskriminierung ein. Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin (Vize des Präsidentschaftskandidaten Ganjar Pranowo) habe in der Vergangenheit häufig für strafrechtliche Sanktionen gegen LGBTIQ+-Personen plädiert. Laut „Atlas“, einem nicht-binären Content Creator aus Jakarta würden einige Kandidat·innen Menschen dazu ermutigen sich vor der queeren Gemeinschaft in Acht zu nehmen. Atlas zufolge habe sich das Vorgehen von Politiker·innen gegen die Gemeinschaft im Zusammenhang mit der Wahl 2024 im Vergleich zu früheren Wahlen verschlimmert (Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024).

Die LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft und staatliche Institutionen

Human Rights Watch (HRW) schreibt in seinem Jahresbericht 2024, dass die indonesischen Behörden zahlreiche Menschenrechtsverletzungen begangen oder geduldet hätten, darunter Diskriminierung aus religiösen, ethnischen, sozialen, geschlechtsspezifischen und sexuellen Gründen. Benachteiligte Gruppen – insbesondere religiöse Minderheiten, Frauen und Mädchen sowie LGBTIQ+-Personen – seien anhaltenden oder zunehmenden Einschränkungen der Rechte auf Meinungs-, Glaubens-, Religions- und Bewegungsfreiheit ausgesetzt. Militär und Polizei würden straflos Übergriffe verüben, insbesondere in West-Papua. Im Mai 2023 hätten Polizist·innen und Beamt·innen der öffentlichen Sicherheit in Pekanbaru 29 Frauen und 28 Männer in mehreren durchsuchten Häusern in der Gegend von Sukajadi verhaftet und sie beschuldigt LGBTIQ+-Paare zu sein (HRW, 11. Jänner 2024).

Laut USDOS habe die Gemeindepolizei von Pekanbaru im Juli 2023 „Überwachungsrazzien“ in Gästehäusern durch, um gleichgeschlechtliche Beziehungen abzuschrecken (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

DFAT zitiert im Juli 2023 internationale Medien, laut denen die indonesische Polizei beispielsweise im August 2020 eine Razzia bei einer privaten „Schwulenparty“ durchgeführt habe und Anklage gegen neun Personen wegen „obszöner Handlungen“ im Rahmen der Anti-Pornografie-Gesetze erhoben habe. Im Jänner 2020 habe der Bürgermeister von Depok in West-Java Razzien in Privatwohnungen von mutmaßlichen LGBTIQ+-Personen angeordnet. Im Juni 2022 seien zwei Soldaten wegen Geschlechtsverkehr zwischen Männern zu acht bzw. neune Monaten Gefängnis verurteilt worden. LGBTIQ+-Personen seien aufgrund ihrer sexuellen Orientierung aus dem Polizeidienst entlassen worden. Laut DFAT würden die meisten LGBTIQ+-Personen aufgrund drohender Verhaftung oder Erpressung die Polizei meiden (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23).

Auch USDOS schreibt in seinem Jahresbericht zur Menschenrechtslage 2023, dass Korruption, Voreingenommenheit und Gewalt bei der Polizei dazu führen würden, dass LGBTIQ+-Personen den Kontakt mit der Polizei meiden. Beamt·innen würden formelle Beschwerden von Opfern und Betroffenen häufig ignorieren und sich unter anderem weigern Ermittlungen aufgrund von Mobbing gegen LGBTIQ+-Personen einzuleiten. In Strafsachen mit LGBTIQ+-Opfern habe die Polizei die Fälle einigermaßen gut untersucht. Medien- und NGO-Berichten zufolge würden lokale Behörden Transgender-Personen schikanieren, indem sie sie unter anderem dazu zwingen, sich an kulturelle Verhaltensstandards, die ihrem biologischen Geschlecht entsprechen, zu halten oder nach einer Inhaftierung Bestechungsgelder zu zahlen. In vielen Fällen hätten es die Behörden verabsäumt, LGBTIQ+-Personen vor gesellschaftlichem Missbrauch zu schützen (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

“Konversionstherapie”

Laut USDOS gebe es kein Gesetz und keine Verordnung, um sogenannte Konversionstherapiepraktiken einzuschränken oder zu verbieten. Aktivist·innen zufolge würden Transgender-Personen manchmal „Therapien“ wie Exorzismuspraktiken, religiösen Lagern und anderen traumatischen Praktiken unterzogen. Familien würden LGBTIQ+-Kinder häufig in Therapie schicken, einsperren oder sie unter Druck setzen, Personen des anderen Geschlechts zu heiraten. NGOs hätten das oben genannte Gesetz der Stadt Bogor in West-Java kritisiert, das darauf abziele, Menschen zu „rehabilitieren“, bei denen man annehme, dass sie an „abnormalen Sexualverhalten leiden“ würden (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

Transmen Indonesia schreibt im Februar 2024, dass die oben beschriebenen Gesetze sogenannte Konversionstherapie fördern oder erzwingen würden. Praktiken würden das Festhalten von Personen, unnötige körperliche Untersuchungen, die Offenlegung ihres Status gegenüber ihren Familien, religiöse Vorträge, Psychotherapie, körperliche Bestrafung und Personen dazu zu zwingen ihr Aussehen zu ändern inkludieren. Transmen Indonesia zitiert einen Transmann aus Aceh. Der Transmann sei mit seiner Partnerin / seinem Partner auf einem Stadtplatz gesessen. Die Scharia-Polizei habe sie verhaftet mit der Begründung, dass sie Lesben seien. Der Transmann sei drei Wochen lang festgehalten worden. Er sei ihm wiederholte gesagt worden, dass er sich ändern solle, er habe eine Therapie erhalten und sei gezwungen worden einen Hidschab zu tragen (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 4).

Diskriminierung der LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft

Amnesty International habe im Vorfeld der Parlamentswahlen vom Februar 2024 mehrere Fälle von Angriffen und Einschüchterungen gegen die LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft registriert, darunter körperliche Angriffe, Diskriminierung am Arbeitsplatz und diskriminierende Äußerungen von Staatsbeamt·innen oder diskriminierende Regulierungen. Laut Medienberichten zwischen Jänner 2021 und Mai 2023, die Amnesty International verifiziert habe, habe es in Indonesien mindestens 48 Fälle von Angriffen und Einschüchterungen, wie Polizeirazzien, Kriminalisierung und Diskriminierung am Arbeitsplatz, durch staatliche und nichtstaatliche Stellen gegen LGBTIQ+-Personen gegeben. Laut Amnesty International sei die tatsächliche Zahl wahrscheinlich höher. Laut einem Gespräch von Amnesty International mit Gruppen und Organisationen, die sich für die Gleichstellung und Antidiskriminierung von LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaften einsetzen, veranlasse die Verabschiedung von Anti-LGBTIQ+-Vorschriften die Mitglieder der Gemeinschaft dazu, ihre Meinungsfreiheit einzuschränken, selbst wenn sie nicht in den Regionen leben, in denen die Vorschriften umgesetzt werden (Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 18-20).

Fair Planet zitiert im Februar 2024 die Menschenrechtsgruppe Human Dignity Trust, laut der es einheitliche Berichte über Diskriminierung und Gewalt gegen die LGBTQ+-Gemeinschaft Indonesiens, darunter Belästigung, Erpressung, Verweigerung grundlegender Rechte und Dienstleistungen sowie familiärer Druck, gebe (Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024).

Laut Reuters habe das Aufkommen des konservativen Islams die Verfolgung der LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft in Indonesien verstärkt. Laut der LGBTIQ+-Interessensgruppe Arus Pelangi sei es in den Jahren 2020 bis Ende 2022 zu einem Anstieg von Vorfällen gekommen. Im Jahr 2022 seien 90 Vorfälle gegen die LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft registriert worden (90 Prozent mehr als im Vorjahr) (Reuters, 11. Jänner 2023).

Gesellschaftliche Diskriminierung

DFAT berichtet im Juli 2023, dass LGBTIQ+-Personen in Indonesien stark stigmatisiert seien. Begriffe wie „LGBT“ seien weitgehend tabu oder würden als Beleidigung verwendet werden. Quellen aus dem Inland hätten DFAT mitgeteilt, dass es in Indonesien sehr schwierig sei offen LGBTIQ+ zu sein. Eine Umfrage des Pew Research Center aus dem Jahr 2020 habe ergeben, dass die öffentliche Akzeptanz von Homosexualität unter den Indonesier·innen neun Prozent betrage. (Den Originalbericht finden Sie hier.) Laut DFAT hänge die Erfahrung von LGBTIQ+-Indonesier·innen stark von ihren Familien ab. Personen, die von ihren Familien abgelehnt würden, seien einem hohen Armutsrisiko ausgesetzt, würden möglicherweise zu Scheinehen gezwungen oder müssten im Alltag ihre sexuelle Orientierung oder Geschlechtsidentität verbergen. Angesichts der vorherrschenden gesellschaftlichen Einstellungen seien viele LGBTIQ+-Personen Scheinehen oder Versuchen, sie zu „heilen“, ausgesetzt. LGBTIQ+-Frauen seien anfällig für Gewalt und Zwangsverheiratung (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23).

Laut Fair Planet hätten im November 2023 Anti-LGBTIQ+-Gruppen in Indonesien gegen das Konzert der Rockband Coldplay in Jakarta protestiert, weil Coldplay queere Menschen unterstütze. Das Konzert habe jedoch wie geplant stattgefunden (Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024).

USDOS berichtet im April 2024, dass Kirchenführer einen offen homosexuellen Pastor seines Amtes enthoben hätten und ihn Berichten zufolge daran gehindert hätten in benachbarten Kirchen als Pastor zu arbeiten, nachdem lokale Medien in Kupang, Ost-Nusa Tenggara, einen Artikel über ihn veröffentlichten (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

Diskriminierung in Bildungsinstitutionen und am Arbeitsplatz

Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) berichtet im Jänner 2024, dass die Andalas University, die Indonesian University of Education, die Gadjah Mada University, das Bandung Institute of Technology und High Schools sowie Junior High Schools in Bangka Belitung Richtlinien erlassen hätten, die besagen, dass LGBTQI+ in Institutionen nicht akzeptiert würden. LGBTIQ+-Personen würden weiters Einschränkungen beim Zugang zum Arbeitsmarkt erleben. Einstellungsrichtlinien für Beamt·innen und private Unternehmen würden LGBTIQ+-Beschränkungen enthalten. Ähnliche interne Regelungen gebe es im Staatsapparat. Bezirksvorsteher·innen, Dorfbeamt·innen, Mitglieder der indonesischen Armee und Polizei seien verängstigt und würden wegen Rundschreiben, die gleichgeschlechtliche Beziehungen verbieten, aus ihren Ämtern entlassen. Crisis Response Mechanism (CRM) habe 2023 festgestellt, dass LGBTIQ+-Personen in einem ewigen Kreislauf der Armut gefangen seien. Dieser äußere sich in instabilen Wohnverhältnissen, uneinheitlichem Einkommen und schlechten Arbeitsbedingungen (HRWG, Jänner 2024, S. 15).

Fair Planet zitiert Echa Waode, eine Aktivistin für Transrechte. Laut Waode herrsche ein erhebliches Maß an Diskriminierung im Beschäftigungssektor, die allein auf der sexuellen Orientierung von Einzelpersonen oder ihrer Verbindung zu bestimmten Gemeinschaften beruhe und häufig zu ihrer Entlassung vom Arbeitsplatz führe (Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024).

Laut USDOS würden Transpersonen bei der Beschäftigung und beim Zugang zu öffentlichen Dienstleistungen und zur Gesundheitsversorgung diskriminiert. Im Juli sei eine Polizistin der Polizeieinheit für den öffentlichen Dienst in Dharmasraya, Provinz West-Sumatra, wegen des Verdachts, lesbisch zu sein, entlassen worden. Ihr sei unmoralisches Handeln vorgeworfen worden, nachdem ein Video, in dem sie eine andere Frau umarmte, in den sozialen Medien verbreitet worden sei (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

Weiteres

DFAT schreibt im Juli 2023, dass es zu großer Empörung und Protesten gekommen sei, als die britische Botschaft in Jakarta die Regenbogenfahne gehisst habe. Viele LGBTIQ+-Organisationen würden sich zurückhalten und fordern, dass ausländische Interessenvertretungen sich nicht öffentlich mit ihnen in Verbindung setzen. Eine Amerikanerin, die auf Bali gearbeitet habe und die Insel als einen sicheren Ort für die „schwarze und queere Gemeinschaft“ beschrieben habe, habe mit ihrer Aussage für Empörung gesorgt und sei abgeschoben worden. Der Guardian habe im Jänner 2021 berichtet, dass Bali zwar ein sicherer Ort für LGBTIQ+-Personen sei, die Erfahrungen von Besucher·innen sich jedoch sehr von Einheimischen unterscheiden würden. Mehrere Quellen hätte DFAT mitgeteilt, dass die genannten Kommentare unrealistisch und unsensibel seien. Die Arbeit in internationalen Hotels oder im Tourismus in Bali wie auch in anderen Teilen des Landes (einschließlich Großstädten wie Jakarta) sei ein sicherer Ort für LGBTIQ+-Personen, weil internationale Besucher·innen möglicherweise toleranter oder selbst LGBTIQ+ seien. Doch selbst an solchen Orten seien LGBTIQ+-Indonesier·innen potentiell Gewalt oder Diskriminierung ausgesetzt. LGBTIQ+-Personen hätten keine direkte Diskriminierung bei der Bereitstellung von Gesundheitsversorgung, Bildung und Dienstleistungen gemeldet. Dies liege laut DFAT vermutlich daran, dass die meisten gezwungen seien, ihre sexuelle Orientierung oder Geschlechtsidentität zu verbergen, und daher keine Diskriminierung erfahren würden. Einige LGBTIQ+-Personen hätten möglicherweise Schwierigkeiten, Zugang zu geeigneten Diensten zu erhalten. Beispielsweise seien LGBTIQ+-gerechter Wohnraum oder Gesundheitsversorgung möglicherweise einfach nicht verfügbar (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23-24).

Laut Freedom House sei es in den vergangenen Jahren zur Bedrohung der akademischen Freiheit gekommen. Hardliner-Gruppen hätten Diskussionen über LGBTIQ+ bedroht (Freedom House, 2024, D3). Behörden und einflussreiche muslimische Organisationen würden LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaften, -Organisationen und -Aktivist·innen einschüchtern und schikanieren und Gruppen behindern, Dienstleistungen für LGBTIQ+-Personen anzubieten (Freedom House, 2024, E2).

USDOS berichtet, dass einige LGBTIQ+-Interessengruppen berichtet hätten, dass sie bei dem Versuch, ihre Organisationen zu registrieren, auf ihrer Registrierungsbescheinigung nicht ausdrücklich angeben könnten, dass es sich um LGBTIQ+-Interessengruppen handle. LGBTIQ+-NGOs seien zwar tätig, berichteten jedoch, dass es schwierig sei, die für öffentliche Veranstaltungen erforderlichen Lizenzen oder Genehmigungen zu erhalten. Einige würden von der Polizei unter Druck gesetzt, solche Veranstaltungen nicht abzuhalten, um „soziale Unruhen“ zu vermeiden (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Queer Advocacy Week

HRW, Reuters, USDOS und Amnesty International berichten, dass die regionale Organisation ASEAN SOGIE Caucus [Association of Southeast Asian Nations Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression Caucus] im Juli 2023 ihre in Jakarta geplante jährliche ASEAN Queer Advocacy Week absagen musste (HRW, 19. Juli 2023; HRW, 11. Jänner 2024; Reuters, 12. Juli 2023; USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6; Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 20). Genannte Gründe inkludieren Belästigungen und Morddrohungen seitens muslimischer Konservativer (HRW, 19. Juli 2023; HRW, 11. Jänner 2024), Sicherheitsdrohungen von verschiedenen Gruppen (Reuters, 12. Juli 2023; USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6), Hass in sozialen Medien (Reuters, 12. Juli 2023) und „doxing“ [die Veröffentlichung persönlicher Daten im Internet ohne Einwilligung der betroffenen Person, Anmerkung ACCORD] (Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 20).

Indonesiens LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft online und in den Medien

Freedom House berichtet im Oktober 2023, dass das indonesische Ministerium für Kommunikation und Informationstechnologie (Kominfo) zwischen Jänner und Juni 2022 LGBTIQ+-Inhalte online blockiert habe. 2017 und 2018 habe Kominfo die LGBTIQ+-Dating-Apps Grindr und Blued blockiert. Das Ministerium habe bestätigt, dass die Apps mit Ende 2020 weiterhin blockiert seien. Im September 2021 habe Kominfo YouTube dazu aufgefordert ein Video zu entfernen, dass angeblich LGBTIQ+-Inhalte auf YouTube Kids bewerbe. Im August 2022 habe das Bezirksgericht Makasser den Influencer Dimas Adipati zu 18 Monaten Gefängnis und einer Geldstrafe von 25 Millionen Rupiah (1.600 US-Dollar) wegen Verstoßes gegen Artikel 27(1) des ITE-Gesetzes (Electronic Information and Transaction) durch angebliche Verbreitung von LGBTIQ+ und pornografischen Inhalten auf Instagram. Laut Freedom House habe die indonesische Regierung Berichten zufolge die Spyware FinFisher (die Daten wie Skype-Audio, Schlüsselprotokolle und Screenshots sammelt), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)-Catcher und Überwachungsprodukte des US-israelischen Unternehmens Verint unter anderem zur Verfolgung von LGBTIQ+-Aktivist·innen eingesetzt (Freedom House, 4. Oktober 2023).

Laut DFAT sei es LGBTIQ+-Personen möglich über soziale Medien oder Dating-Apps wie Grindr, Growlr, Scruff oder 9Monsters Kontakte zu knüpfen. Sie müssten jedoch VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) verwenden, um ihren Zugang zu diesen Plattformen zu verschleiern. DFAT seien Fälle bekannt, in denen soziale Medien genutzt worden seien, um eine LGBTIQ+-Person zu outen, um Mobbing und Belästigung im Internet zu erleichtern. Dies könne zu Androhung von Gewalt, einschließlich Morddrohungen, führen. DFAT sei jedoch keine Gewalttat bekannt, die auf Online-Belästigung zurückzuführen sei. Ein Online-Video des beliebten Podcasters Deddy Corbuzier, das ein Interview mit einem schwulen Paar enthielt, habe einen Aufschrei ausgelöst. Corbuzier habe das Video entfernt und sich entschuldigt (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23-24).

USDOS schreibt im April 2024, dass die Produktion von Medieninhalten, die einvernehmliches gleichgeschlechtliches Sexualverhalten darstellen, strafrechtlich verfolgt werden könne. Strafen könnten hohe Geldstrafen und Freiheitsstrafen von bis zu 15 Jahren umfassen. Laut NGO-Berichten fordere Kominfo die Entfernung von Informationen im Zusammenhang mit LGBTQI+-Themen online. Regierungsstellen würden inländische und importierte Filme wegen der Darstellung gleichgeschlechtlicher Beziehungen zensieren und Fernsehsendungen mit LGBTIQ+-Inhalten untersagen (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

Laut Freedom House seien Journalist·innen, die über LGBTIQ+-Themen berichten Schikanen, Gewalt und Drohungen ausgesetzt (Freedom House, 2024, D1).

Situation von Transpersonen

Laut DFAT sei „Waria“, eine traditionelle Transgender-Identität von Mann zu Frau, seit langem in Teilen Indonesiens Teil des traditionellen Glaubens und der kulturellen Praktiken. Waria würden oft marginalisiert oder als Sexarbeiterinnen oder Kriminelle stereotypisiert und seien anfällig für Gewalt, einschließlich Übergriffe und sexuelle Übergriffe. Viele würden in Großstädten landen und um ihren Lebensunterhalt betteln (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 24). Auch Reuters beschreibt im Jänner 2023, dass Gender-Fluid-Gemeinschaften historisch als Teil der Gesellschaft akzeptiert würden. Der Aufstieg des konservativen Islam habe die Verfolgung der LGBTIQ+-Gemeinschaft verstärkt. Reuters zitiert eine Transfrau, Chika, die in einem Slum in Jakarta wohne und als Straßenmusikerin arbeite. Transgender-Nachbar·innen seien Jahre zuvor zu Unrecht aus dem Slum vertreiben worden, nachdem andere Nachbar·innen ihre Existenz für ein Feuer verantwortlich gemacht hätten. Chika selbst mache sich große Sorgen aufgrund des oben beschriebenen überarbeiteten Strafgesetzbuches vom Dezember 2022. Sie lebe mit ihrem/r Partner·in zusammen und habe Angst vor einer Gefängnisstrafe (Reuters, 11. Jänner 2023).

USDOS beschreibt im April 2024, dass Indonesien in offiziellen Dokumenten das biologische Geschlecht („sex“) und nicht das soziale Geschlecht („gender“) anerkenne. Die Aktualisierung des Geschlechts in Rechtsdokumenten sei möglich, erforderte jedoch abgeschlossene medizinische Eingriffe einschließlich chirurgischer Eingriffe und eine Bescheinigung durch Gerichtsbeschluss. Es liege im Ermessen der Richter, einen Gerichtsbeschluss zu erlassen. NGOs hätten von mindestens einem Fall berichtetet, in dem der/die Antragsteller·in Beweise für eine medizinische Geschlechtsumwandlung vorlegt habe und der Richter den Antrag aufgrund seiner selbstbeschriebenen konservativen Werte abgelehnt habe (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).

Laut DFAT würden Transgender-Personen manchmal von den örtlichen Behörden schikaniert. Sie würden gezwungen, sich ihrem biologischen Geschlecht entsprechend zu kleiden und zu verhalten. Es würden ihnen möglicherweise keine Personalausweise ausgestellt, oder ein Ausweis mit falschem Geschlecht ausgestellt werden. Es mangle ihnen in der Regel an Arbeitsmöglichkeiten und viele würden als Sexarbeiter·innen, in der Schönheitsbranche oder als Entertainer·innen arbeiten (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 24).

Transmen Indonesia berichtet im Februar 2024, dass Transgender-Personen in einer Verordnung des Sozialministers als „Menschen mit sozialen Behinderungen und Verhaltensabweichungen“ kategorisiert würden (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 2). Seit 2015 hätten Transmen Indonesia und andere LGBTIQ+-Organisationen mindestens sieben Transmänner unterstützt, die Opfer von Razzien und Verhaftungen in der Öffentlichkeit oder in ihren Wohnungen geworden seien. Anschließend seien sie zur sogenannten Rehabilitation oder „Konversionstherapie“ zum Sozialamt geschickt worden (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 4). Transmen Indonesia und andere LGBTIQ+-Organisationen hätten zahlreiche Fälle von Transmännern dokumentiert, die rechtswidrige und unmenschlicher Inhaftierung ausgesetzt gewesen seien. Transmen Indonesia zitiert den Rechtsbegleiter eines Transmannes aus Zentral-Java. Laut dem Rechtsbegleiter sei der Transmann in Haft wiederholt von der Polizei geschlagen und getreten worden und gezwungen worden zu gestehen, dass er eine Frau sei. Ihm sei mit Vergewaltigung gedroht worden, „um ihn daran zu erinnern und zu beweisen, dass er eine Frau sei“. Trotz des Aufkommens neuer positiver Richtlinien wie des Strafgesetzes gegen sexuelle Gewalt führe laut Transmen Indonesia das mangelnde Verständnis der Strafverfolgungsbehörden in Bezug auf Fragen der Geschlechtsidentität zu Diskriminierung und Gewalt gegen Transmänner, die mit dem Gesetz in Berührung kommen, einschließlich derjenigen, die Gewalt erlebt hätten und ihre Fälle melden. Dies führe zu einem Mangel an Vertrauen unter Transmännern in den Strafverfolgungsprozess (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 6-7).

Informationen über die Situation von Transpersonen in der Provinz Aceh finden Sie im folgenden Abschnitt:

Situation in der Provinz Aceh

Laut USDOS sei einvernehmlicher gleichgeschlechtlicher Geschlechtsverkehr in Aceh illegal (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6; siehe auch: Reuters, 11. Jänner 2023). und werde mit maximal 100 Peitschenhieben, einer erheblichen Geldstrafe oder einer 100-monatigen Gefängnisstrafe geahndet. Nach Angaben des Leiters der Scharia-Behörde in Aceh müssten für eine Anklage mindestens vier Zeugen das Geschehnis beobachtet haben. NGOs hätten berichtet, dass die Angst vor einer Strafverfolgung unter der Scharia in Aceh zeitweise LGBTQI+-Aktivist·innen dazu veranlasst habe aus der Provinz zu fliehen, manchmal dauerhaft (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Abschnitt 6).

Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) et al. beschreiben in einer Einreichung zum zweiten periodischen Bericht Indonesiens im Rahmen des Internationalen Pakts über bürgerliche und politische Rechte (ICCPR) die Situation in der Provinz Aceh. Regierungsvertreter·innen hätten sich dafür ausgesprochen, dass LGBTIQ+-Personen geprügelt werden könnten. In den Jahren 2016 und 2018 habe es Rundschreiben der regionalen Regierung in Aceh sowie religiöser Autoritäten gegeben, die die Beschäftigung von LGBTIQ+-Personen in Friseurläden, Schönheitssalons, Cafés und Restaurants verbieten würden. Laut AJAR et al. seien speziell Transfrauen von diesen Rundschreiben betroffen (AJAR et al, Februar 2024, S. 4). Im Jänner 2018 sei es zu Razzien gegen LGBTIQ+ in Aceh gekommen. Transfrauen seien von der Polizei in Nord-Aceh willkürlich festgenommen worden. Sie seien gedemütigt worden, ihr Haare seien gewaltsam abrasiert worden und sie seien gezwungen worden einen Brief zu unterschreiben, in dem sie sich verpflichten nicht als Frauen aufzutreten und keine rechtlichen Schritte gegen die Behörden einzuleiten. Sie seien am folgenden Tag ohne Anklageerhebung freigelassen worden, hätten jedoch schwere Traumata erlitten (AJAR et al., Februar 2024, S. 7).

Wie oben bereits beschrieben, zitiert Transmen Indonesia im Februar 2024 einen Transmann aus Aceh. Der Transmann sei mit seiner Partnerin / seinem Partner auf einem Stadtplatz gesessen. Die Scharia-Polizei habe sie verhaftet mit der Begründung, dass sie Lesben seien. Der Transmann sei drei Wochen lang festgehalten worden. Er sei ihm wiederholte gesagt worden, dass er sich ändern solle, er habe eine Therapie erhalten und sei gezwungen worden einen Hijab zu tragen (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 4).

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 24. Mai 2024)

·      AJAR - Asia Justice and Rights et al.: Submission on Indonesia’s Second Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); Specific Theme on Civil and Political Rights in Aceh, Indonesia, Februar 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZN/4sfXMDZ8Idn7h08mOqFTW1GILRwPXSKHGrgGcCNAo6Lz0rcvs8j3P6ThJZLa/yQ==

·      AKSI - Yayasan Aksi Keadilan Indonesia et al: Joint Submission to Committee on Economic Social and Cultural – 75th Session (12 Feb 2024 - 01 Mar 2024); Country Review of Indonesia, 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZJ/zfeVphO+hg9+TA7jtERAVyO0nows5qY4K+2cqakAM4cjPa/yqVEG+Yu2Cpcs9Mw==

·      Amnesty International: Amnesty International Report 2022/23; Zur weltweiten Lage der Menschenrechte; Indonesien 2022, 28. März 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2094486.html

·      Amnesty International: Freedom, Justice, Equality: Human Rights Agenda for elected Government Officials [ASA 21/7407/2023], November 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2101752/ASA2174072023ENGLISH.pdf

·      DFAT – Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: DFAT Country Information Report Indonesia, 24. Juli 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2095684/country-information-report-indonesia.pdf

·      Fair Planet: How Indonesia’s election affects the queer community, 12. Februar 2024
https://www.fairplanet.org/story/how-indonesias-election-affects-the-queer-community/

·      Freedom House: Freedom on the Net 2023 - Indonesia, 4. Oktober 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2100681.html

·      Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2024 - Indonesia, 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2105033.html

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: Harassment, Threats Prompt Cancellation of LGBT Conference in Indonesia, 19. Juli 2023
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/19/harassment-threats-prompt-cancellation-lgbt-conference-indonesia

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: World Report 2024 - Indonesia, 11. Jänner 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2103156.html

·      HRWG – Human Rights Working Group (Indonesia's NGO Coalition for International Human Rights Advocacy): The Dark Side of Indonesia's Development under Joko Widodo, Jänner 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZDLzdVl8WVgFPGGLvoLXZYN5BCbpmtAnEZB0MMppnCt1KgjZcRlGNPF+H7hfkEjMnQ==

·      Pew Research Center: The Global Divide on Homosexuality Persists, 25. Juni 2020
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/

·      Reuters: Indonesia's transgender community fears threat posed by new law, 11. Jänner 2023
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesias-transgender-community-fears-threat-posed-by-new-law-2023-01-11/

·      Reuters: LGBT event in Indonesia scrapped after security threats, 12. Juli 2023
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/lgbt-event-indonesia-scrapped-after-security-threats-2023-07-12/

·      Transmen Indonesia: “Human Rights Violation of Transgender Men in Indonesia”; Submission to the Human Rights Committee 140 Session (4-28 March 2024); Review of the third periodic report by Indonesia, Februar 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZO8cMI5bJstgYK04YrDKJCjgL1NiIktlzw5taBE7ydPrZaiStbX+1Y+PjmobwgZ8/g==

·      USDOS – US Department of State: 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Indonesia, 23. April 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2107730.html

 

 

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Bei den Autor·innen der untenstehenden Einreichung handelt es sich um regionale NGOs, deren Arbeit sich unter anderem auf die Region Aceh in Indonesien spezialisiert.

·      AJAR - Asia Justice and Rights et al.: Submission on Indonesia’s Second Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); Specific Theme on Civil and Political Rights in Aceh, Indonesia, Februar 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZN/4sfXMDZ8Idn7h08mOqFTW1GILRwPXSKHGrgGcCNAo6Lz0rcvs8j3P6ThJZLa/yQ==

„Vulnerable groups such as women and trans women continue to face discrimination in Aceh, evident from the number of Qanuns regulating the personal matters between genders. For instance, government officials have advocated for LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer] people to be caned in accordance with Qanun Jinayat. This regulation and other similar regulations were typically proposed on religious grounds, particularly to promote sharia norms in Aceh. […]

At the same time, trans women continue to face structural violence by the government in Aceh. In 2016, for instance, the Bireuen Islamic Sharia Service explicitly requested salons and barbershops to not employ members of the LGBTQ community through Circular No. 451.48/159/2016. A similar appeal was made by the Aceh Besar District Government in 2018 using the Letter No. 1/2018 regarding the Licensing of Barber Shops/Salons/Beauty Houses Managed and Occupied by LGBTQ groups in Aceh Besar.

On 30 August 2018, Bireuen Regent Saifannur issued a circular on the Standardization of Coffee Shops/Cafes and Restaurants in Accordance with Islamic Law, which prohibits female waiters from working, and female customers from being served, after 9pm without their mahram. The circular also prohibits the employment of workers who have damaged the faith, sharia, and morals, including the members of the LGBTQ community, specifically trans women or waria. The law also prohibits men and women from eating and drinking on the same table unless they are mahram.“ (AJAR et al, Februar 2024, S. 4)

„Another example of cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment can be found in the January 2018 raids against the LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer] in Aceh. Transgender women were arbitrarily detained by the North Aceh Police Force, subjected to profound humiliation, and endured torture, including being forced to roll on their backs and having their hair forcibly shaved. They were coerced into signing a letter admitting their perceived ‘mistakes’ as transwomen, pledging not to appear as women, and agreeing not to pursue legal action against the authorities. Although released without charges the following day, the victims suffered severe trauma, with some losing their jobs and others forced to flee out of fear for their safety. While this triggered an internal investigation on the North Aceh police chief, he later received a promotion within the Provincial Police of Papua.” (AJAR et al, Februar 2024, S. 7)

Yayasan Aksi Keadilan Indonesia (AKSI) und Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Masyarakat (LBH Masyarakat) sind indonesische NGOs, die Rechtshilfe für marginalisierte Gesellschaftsgruppen bereitstellen.

Harm Reduction International (HRI) ist eine NGO mit Sonderberaterstatus beim Wirtschafts- und Sozialrat der Vereinten Nationen, die Daten und Interessenvertretung nutzt, um Reformen der Drogenpolitik voranzutreiben.

·      AKSI - Yayasan Aksi Keadilan Indonesia et al.: Joint Submission to Committee on Economic Social and Cultural – 75th Session (12 Feb 2024 - 01 Mar 2024); Country Review of Indonesia, 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZJ/zfeVphO+hg9+TA7jtERAVyO0nows5qY4K+2cqakAM4cjPa/yqVEG+Yu2Cpcs9Mw==

„The government also mentioned guiding and monitoring mechanisms to prevent intolerant, discriminatory by-laws; and the fact that efforts have been made by the government to analyse and provide guidance to local government to revise or revoke discriminative by-laws.

However, civil society monitoring shows that intolerant and discriminatory by-laws still exist in the country, especially against groups that are highly stigmatised. For example, in December 2021 the local government of District of Bogor City Government (West Java) established a Regional Regulation for the Prevention and Regulation of Sexual Deviant Behaviour (P4S). This regulation's brittle complexity and stigmatisation of sexual and gender minority groups (LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender]) are the reasons it has become a contentious issue and drawn condemnation from a range of activist and human rights watchdog groups. Despite so, the regulation eventually was approved by the Bogor City Council and was officially implemented throughout the city.

The regulation characterises LGBT individuals as forms of ‘sexually deviant’, regarded in the same category as pedophiles, that negatively impact social life and further alter mental attitudes that could undermine the foundations of social life. The regulation further regulates the need for public security management, forced rehabilitation and conversion therapy for people who are deemed to have ‘sexually deviant’ behaviour – a clear violation of the right to health. Finally, being identified as LGBT could also potentially lead to sanctions, including imprisonment (criminal), fines, and/or other sanctions pursuant to other the regulations in force in Indonesia.“ (AKSI et al., 2024, S. 2-3)

Amnesty International ist eine internationale regierungsunabhängige Menschenrechtsorganisation mit Hauptsitz in London.

·      Amnesty International: Amnesty International Report 2022/23; Zur weltweiten Lage der Menschenrechte; Indonesien 2022, 28. März 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2094486.html

„Im Dezember 2022 verabschiedete das Parlament ein neues Strafgesetzbuch, das innerhalb von drei Jahren das bisherige Recht ersetzen soll. Das neue Strafgesetzbuch verstieß gegen die Rechte auf Meinungs-, Versammlungs- und Vereinigungsfreiheit, den Schutz der Privatsphäre sowie gegen sexuelle und reproduktive Rechte und diskriminierte Frauen, lesbische, schwule, bisexuelle, trans- und intergeschlechtliche Menschen (LGBTI+) sowie Minderheiten. […] Indem einvernehmliche sexuelle Beziehungen außerhalb der Ehe strafbar gemacht wurden, war es dem Staat möglich, in private Entscheidungen von Einzelpersonen und Familien einzugreifen. Zudem könnte das neue Strafgesetzbuch dazu missbraucht werden, Überlebende sexualisierter Gewalt zu kriminalisieren und LGBTI+ ins Visier zu nehmen.“ (Amnesty International, 28. März 2023)

·      Amnesty International: Freedom, Justice, Equality: Human Rights Agenda for elected Government Officials [ASA 21/7407/2023], November 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2101752/ASA2174072023ENGLISH.pdf

„The rights of LGBTIQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer] community in Indonesia face ongoing challenges and are increasingly under attack, particularly in the lead up to the general elections in February 2024. Amnesty International has recorded several cases of attacks and intimidation against the LGBTIQ community, including physical attacks, intimidation, discrimination at work, and discriminatory statements made by state officials and/or regulations that pose threats to their lives. This illustrates the failure of government to fulfil its obligation under international law to protect the rights of LGBTIQ people in Indonesia.

LGBTIQ people face discrimination across multiple fronts and have also been subjected to physical attacks. According to media reports between January 2021 and May 2023, verified by Amnesty International, there were at least 48 cases of attacks and intimidation in the form of, among others, police raids, criminalization and discrimination at work committed in Indonesia by state and non-state actors against LGBTIQ people. However, we believe the actual number is likely to be higher as cases of human rights violations and abuses against LGBTIQ people are rarely exposed or reported to the authorities.

Based on media reports that Amnesty International has verified, there are instances in which state officials, instead of safeguarding LGBTIQ communities from ongoing intimidation and attack, have been engaged in perpetuating, endorsing, and overlooking discrimination against LGBTIQ people, including by issuing discriminatory statements and regulations. For instance, on 1 January 2023, the Mayor of Medan in North Sumatra, M. Bobby Afif Nasution, stated that ‘Medan City doesn't have LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender], and we're anti-LGBT!’. The mayor then emphasized that the city's culture does not promote same-sex relationships, so such behaviour must be avoided. A few days later, on 9 January 2023, a leader of a prominent religious-based NGO in Medan quoted the mayor by saying: ‘Don't give space to LGBT!’ Amnesty International is concerned that this statement may influence other leaders and communities, and eventually intensify attacks against LGBTIQ community.

Moreover, based on verified media reports between January and May 2023, at least four state officials have made remarks that endorse intentional efforts to establish local regulations targeting the LGBTIQ community at the municipal or regional level. Indeed, in July 2023, the Regional Government of Garut, West Java, enacted the Anti-Immorality Regulation (Garut Regional Regulation No. 47/2023). The regulation requires that a team, led by the Garut District Head and the Municipal Police Unit (Satpol PP), monitor and limit the activities of LGBTIQ people. The district head also requested the security forces to provide assistance and support to this team. According to the regulation, LGBTIQ people being monitored will receive ‘preventive treatment’ in order to ensure they return to the ‘straight path’ through health, social, religious and ‘family-based’ approaches.

Besides Garut, a similar regulation exists in Bogor, West Java. Article 6 of the Prevention and Management of Sexually Deviant Behaviour Regulation (Bogor Regional Regulation No. 10/2021) regards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as being ‘sexual deviants’. Under this regulation, those identified as ‘sexual deviants’ will receive treatment such as rehabilitation and counselling. In addition, according to Arus Pelangi—a human rights organization promoting equality and anti-discrimination of LGBTIQ communities—between 2008 and 2017 at least 45 discriminatory local regulations (Peraturan Daerah) were passed against LGBTIQ communities.

The enactment of local regulations against LGBTIQ people violates a number of human rights. The targeting of a specific group on the exclusive basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is, inherently, against the fundamental principles of universality, equality and non-discrimination guaranteed under international human rights. In particular, the adoption of ‘preventive’ and ‘counselling’ treatment referred to in both the Garut and Bogor anti-LGBTIQ regulations is harmful to people receiving the treatment. Such measures resembles conversion therapy practices, in which the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IESOGI) has called for a ban on these practices because they are inherently humiliating, demeaning and discriminatory.

In addition to harmful and discriminatory laws, LGBTIQ communities often face intimidation from other groups. The most recent instance of this took place in July 2023, when activists from eleven countries in Southeast Asia planned to gather in Jakarta for the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Queer Advocacy Week. One week prior to the event there was widespread media coverage in Indonesia advocating for the prohibition of this event. Religious conservatives and anti-LGBTIQ groups actively lobbied authorities to prevent the event from taking place, using demonizing and aggressive messages against LGBTIQ communities. As a result of increasing pressures and security concerns, the organizers were forced to cancel the event. Amnesty International is aware of reports confirming that the organizers were subjected to intimidatory tactics, including receiving death threats and doxing. In addition, a WhatsApp message was reportedly disseminated by the police, urging hotel management in Jakarta to promptly report any activities associated with the advocacy week.

Amnesty International is concerned that the implementation, including statements of support from state authorities, of anti-LGBTIQ or discriminatory regulations and unchecked acts of intimidation is likely to have a chilling effect on LGBTIQ communities. According to Amnesty International’s conversation with groups and organizations promoting equality and antidiscrimination of LGBTIQ communities, the enactment of anti-LGBTIQ regulations drives members of the community to limit their freedom of expression, even if they do not live in the regions where the regulations are implemented.

The Indonesian government has a legal obligation to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to freedom of expression for everyone, regardless of their gender and sexual identities under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Indonesia has ratified through Law No. 12/2005. The government must also ensure that every person is entitled to be free from discriminative treatment as enshrined in Article 28I, section 2 of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution. The lack of adequate protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity can be detrimental to physical, mental and wellbeing and has a detrimental impact on the right to health of LGBTIQ people.

With the adoption of Indonesia’s 4th UPR [Universal Periodic Review] cycle, Indonesia supported two recommendations to end discrimination against LGBTIQ persons, particularly in a healthcare setting, and agreed to pass anti-discrimination laws. Indonesia also noted four recommendations to reject discriminatory national and local laws and to protect LGBTIQ people. In order to uphold this commitment, Indonesia must first recognize the specific forms of discrimination and violence faced by LGBTIQ people and pass legislation to holistically that tackles these issues, including addressing stigma, bias and prejudice, protecting LGBTIQ people from discrimination and attack, holding those suspected of criminal responsibility accountable, and providing remedy and justice to survivors.“ (Amnesty International, November 2023, S. 18-20)

Das Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) ist das Außenministerium Australiens. Sein Ziel ist die Förderung und der Schutz der internationalen Interessen Australiens mit Blick auf die Sicherheit und den Wohlstand des Landes.

·      DFAT – Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: DFAT Country Information Report Indonesia, 24. Juli 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2095684/country-information-report-indonesia.pdf

„Sexual orientation and gender identity

3.97 There is no national law against same-sex sexual relations, but it is illegal in Aceh, where ‘offenders’ are caned as a judicial punishment for same-sex acts. Nonetheless, LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] people are heavily stigmatised in Indonesia. Terms like ‘LGBT’ are broadly taboo or used as an insult. In-country sources told DFAT it is very difficult to be openly LGBTI in Indonesia. A 2020 Pew Research Centre survey found that public acceptance of homosexuality was only 9 per cent among Indonesians, an increase from 3 per cent in 2013, however still among the lowest of the 34 countries surveyed (by comparison, public acceptance was 81 per cent among Australians).

3.98 Despite not being illegal, LGBTI people are sometimes targeted by police. For example, according to international media, a private ‘gay party’ was raided by police with charges laid against nine people for ‘obscene acts’ under anti-pornography laws in August 2020. Other raids on private homes of suspected LGBTI people were ordered by the mayor of Depok in West Java in January 2020. LGBTI people may face charges in the military, where same-sex sexual activity is illegal. In June 2022, two soldiers were sentenced to eight and nine months’ prison respectively for having male-male sex. LGBTI people have been dismissed from the police force because of their sexual orientation. Because of the threat of arrest or extortion, most LGBTI people avoid police.

3.99 The experience of LGBTI Indonesians depends a lot on their families. Family networks are crucial. Those whose families reject them are at a high risk of poverty, may be forced into sham marriages, or simply be required, on a day-to-day basis, to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity. Given prevailing societal attitudes, many LGBTI people will submit to sham marriages or attempts to ‘cure’ them. LGBTI women are vulnerable to violence and forced marriage.

3.100 LGBTI NGOs or social groups do exist, but they must be cautious to protect their safety. It may be possible for LGBTI people to connect using social media or dating apps like ‘Grindr’ (the most commonly used app), ‘Growlr’, ‘Scruff’ or ‘9Monsters’, but their use is hidden and users commonly use virtual private networks to disguise their access to these platforms.

3.101 Digital means can also be used to harass LGBTI people. DFAT is aware of cases where social media was used to ‘out’ (forcibly expose someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent) an LGBTI person to facilitate online bullying and harassment. This can lead to the threat of violence including death threats, but DFAT is not aware of acts of violence stemming from online harassment.

3.102 Cultural references to LGBTI matters are sensitive. An online video by a popular podcaster, Deddy Corbuzier, including an interview with a gay couple caused an outcry until Corbuzier took the video down and apologised. According to the New York Times, the Indonesian Film Censorship Board was reviewing the 2022 Disney film, Lightyear, because it had a lesbian character, which breached Indonesian laws that prohibit ‘deviant’ or ‘vulgar’ content.

3.103 Accusations of LGBTI activity, which are probably false, are sometimes used to foment outrage or ‘spice up’ a news story. Widespread outrage and protests occurred when the British Embassy in Jakarta raised a rainbow flag on their own grounds in support of LGBTI people. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned and rebuked the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Indonesia over the incident. Incidents like these can quickly cause widespread outrage on social media and lead to street protests. Many LGBTI organisations keep a low profile and request that foreign interests (including international NGOs or foreign missions, for example) do not publicly associate with them to prevent backlash.

3.104 An American woman working in Bali who described the island as ‘a safe place for the black and queer community’ was deported after local outrage and authorities accused her of ‘disseminating information disturbing to the public’. The Guardian reported in January 2021 that, while Bali is a safer place for LGBTI people, the experience of visitors and tourists is very different, with LGBTI locals experiencing day-to-day discrimination even while serving LGBTI tourists.

3.105 Multiple sources told DFAT that, while the comments mentioned above were unrealistic and insensitive, the situation for LGBTI people in heavily-touristed Bali is somewhat better than in most other parts of Indonesia because international visitors may be more tolerant or be LGBTI themselves. There is a vibrant nightlife in parts of Bali that is well-frequented by international tourists and this provides some LGBTI Indonesians a space for self-expression, but these spaces are not necessarily inclusive of all LGBTI people.

3.106 Other sources told DFAT that working in international hotels or tourism in other parts of the country (including big cities like Jakarta) may be a safer place for LGBTI people for the same reasons. Even then, LGBTI people in these locations would potentially be subject to violence or discrimination.

3.107 Waria, a traditional male-to-female transgender identity, has long featured in traditional beliefs and cultural practices in parts of Indonesia. Waria are often marginalised or stereotyped as sex workers or criminals and are vulnerable to violence, including assault and sexual assault. They may be rejected by family or unable to secure unemployment. Many end up in big cities, begging to make a living.

3.108 Transgender and other gender-diverse people are sometimes harassed by local authorities who force them to dress and act in accordance with their biological sex. Transgender people experience societal and official discrimination; they may not be issued identity cards, or cards that are issued can misgender them. They generally lack opportunities for employment and many of them work as sex workers, in the beauty industry or as entertainers. These career choices are limited; many transgender people work in those industries due to lack of choice or access to other industries, as a result of discrimination rather than choice. Women who work in those industries are more likely than other women to experience violence on the street, whether that is due to the nature of their work, because they are transgender, or for a combination of those reasons.

3.109 While LGBTI people do not report direct discrimination in the provision of healthcare, education and services this is probably because most are forced to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity, and so do not experience discrimination as a result. Some LGBTI people may have difficulty accessing appropriate services; for example, LGBTI-appropriate housing or healthcare may simply be unavailable.

3.110 Parliament passed a revised Criminal Code in December 2022. The Code includes provisions that criminalise cohabitation and adultery, though the law limits who can lodge the complaint to direct family members. Because same-sex marriage is illegal in Indonesia, the law could in effect criminalise same-sex sex. Penalties include a maximum one-year prison term. DFAT understands that the provisions will become law three years after promulgation. As at publication, DFAT is awaiting further clarity on how the law will be interpreted as implementing regulations are finalised.“ (DFAT, 24. Juli 2023, S. 23-24)

Fair Planet ist eine weltweit agierende NGO mit Sitz in Berlin, die sich auf die Berichterstattung von Menschenrechtsthemen und Umwelt spezialisiert.

·      Fair Planet: How Indonesia’s election affects the queer community, 12. Februar 2024
https://www.fairplanet.org/story/how-indonesias-election-affects-the-queer-community/

„Their name is Chris Derek. They are a 26-year-old non-binary design graduate who lives in Tangerang, near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta. With the country’s general elections approaching on Wednesday, Derek said certain politicians have historically leveraged anti-LGBTQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and more] rhetoric as a campaign strategy in several past elections. They said such politicians raise the issue to garner support from anti-LGBTQ+ factions and secure votes. ‘For the past three elections, which were in 2014, 2019, and now in 2024, they have been using the same tactic over and over again,’ Derek said, not naming any specific candidates. They added that many politicians seem to overlook the adverse effects this has on Indonesian queer people, who suffer from escalating anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. At times, Derek said, such sentiments end up in violent attacks against members of the community.

The country of over 270 million is set to vote on 14 February to elect its next president, vice president and parliamentary representatives. Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi, commissioner at Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), said in a May 2023 press conference that LGBTQ+ individuals in the country were prone to ‘politicisation,’ citing how some legislative candidates vowed to ‘combat’ the community to win more votes.

The world’s largest Muslim-majority nation does not outlaw same-sex relations and gay sex, except in the Sharia-abiding westernmost Aceh province. But LGBTQ+ rights remains a taboo subject in Indonesia, and the country did not legalise same-sex marriage. In 2017, the UN urged Indonesia to recognize the rights of queer people and fully integrate them into society. But the Indonesian government refused, arguing that such demands conflicted with the nation's values, culture, spirituality and legal framework.

HOSTILE POLTICIANS

According to a 2019 release by the Indonesian House of Representatives, any activities pertaining to LGBTQ+ issues are considered inappropriate. There are numerous instances of actions taken against the queer community. In early 2023, Medan's City Mayor, Bobby Nasution, who is also the son-in-law of President Joko Widodo, declared his city ‘LGBT-free,’ as reported by Fulcrum. In July 2023, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil stated that an anti-LGBT+ regulation in Garut, a part of his province, was still under review by the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, in November 2023, anti-LGBTQ+ groups in Indonesia protested against the rock band Coldplay's concert in Jakarta, citing the band's support of queer people. Nevertheless, the concert proceeded as scheduled in Jakarta. In the run-up to Indonesia's 2024 presidential election, several candidates have made their positions on LGBTQ+ issues known, with the exception of Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is President Joko Widodo's eldest son. During a public discussion in Jakarta on 12 December, 2023, Indonesian presidential candidate Anies Rasyid Baswedan stated, ‘Personally, I disagree with LGBT. In my opinion, we believe that it is not in line with our religious principles.’ Nonetheless, Baswedan acknowledges the significance of respecting the decisions of LGBTQ+ individuals and advocates against discrimination. Muhaimin Iskandar, Baswedan’s running mate, has never publicly commented on LGBTQ+ issues. Indonesian presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo has also refrained from expressing his views of the queer community. However, his running mate, Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, frequently advocates for criminal penalties against LGBTQ+ people. In a 2022 report by Voice of America Indonesia, he was noted for advocating criminalisation through the Draft of Criminal Code. This year, BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] Indonesia reported that Aiman Witjaksono, a spokesperson for Ganjar and Mahfud, said, ‘There should be no bullying towards anyone, and everyone must adhere to the law.’

FROM SENTIMENTS TO LAWS

Human Dignity Trust, a human rights group, found that ‘there have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence’ against Indonesia’s LGBTQ+ community, ‘including harassment, extortion, denial of basic rights and services, and familial pressure.’ The majority of the Indonesian public reportedly has an unfavourable view of marriage equality. According to Pew Research Center’s findings published in November 2023, 88 per cent of respondents in the country ‘strongly opposed’ same-sex marriage - the highest objection rate in Asia. […]

Meanwhile, queer activist Nurdiyansah Dalidjo said that while elections ought to serve as a time to celebrate and engage in the democratic process, it appears that the atmosphere during several recent election cycles ‘has not been pleasant,’ particularly for members of the country's queer community. ‘That's something we need to anticipate and respond to together,’ Dalidjo told FairPlanet. ‘But it's also important for both the queer community and other supporters, as well as other pro-democracy groups, to work to prevent its recurrence.’

‘Atlas,’ a non-binary Jakarta-based content creator, expressed regret over how certain politicians have portrayed the LGBTQ+ community in a ‘divisive’ manner, rather than adopting ‘a more humanistic approach.’ Atlas said that some candidates encourage people to ‘beware’ of the queer community. ‘As far as I remembered, and what I understood then, things like [LGBTQ+ issues] were not used as […] 'campaign material.' They did not sell this issue,’ Atlas said. The 26-year-old, who identifies as bisexual, said the politicians' actions against the community worsened around this election compared to previous polls in 2019 and 2014.

‘WE DEMAND EQUAL JUSTICE’

‘What we demand is equal justice, the fulfilment of our socio-economic rights, and the protection of our rights as citizens,’ Echa Waode, a trans rights activist in Indonesia, said. She pointed out a significant degree of discrimination in the employment sector, based purely on individuals' sexual orientation or their association with certain communities, which often leads to their dismissal from the workplace, she added.“ (Fair Planet, 12. Februar 2024)

Freedom House ist eine in den USA ansässige Nichtregierungsorganisation, die sich mit Recherchen und Advocacy-Arbeit zu Demokratie, politischen Freiheiten und Menschenrechten befasst.

·      Freedom House: Freedom on the Net 2023 - Indonesia, 4. Oktober 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2100681.html

„In 2022, Kominfo [Ministry of Communication and Information Technology] ordered the blocking of 213,735 web pages, including 156,975 related to online gambling, 51,588 related to pornography, 1,887 related to online fraud, 1,266 pages that were identified as ‘negative’ by government agencies, and a smaller number that were restricted for other reasons, including the spread of ‘fake news’ and extremism. Previous data collected through OONI [Open Observatory of Network Interference] Probe Web Connectivity tests between January and June 2022 found that virtual private networks (VPNs), LGBT+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and more] content, news media, and human rights content were also blocked, primarily through DNS [Domain Name System] hijacking. […]

Kominfo blocked the LGBT+ dating apps Grindr and Blued in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The ministry confirmed that these apps were still blocked as of late 2020. […]

In September 2021, Kominfo requested that YouTube remove a video deemed to promote LGBT+ content on YouTube Kids. […]

In August 2022, the Makassar District Court sentenced influencer Dimas Adipati to 18 months in prison and a fine of 25 million rupiah ($1,600) for violating Article 27(1) of the ITE [Electronic Information and Transaction] Law by allegedly disseminating LGBT+ and pornographic content on Instagram. […]

The Indonesian government has reportedly used FinFisher spyware, which collects data such as Skype audio, key logs, and screenshots; international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers purchased from Swiss and British companies; and surveillance products from the US-Israeli company Verint to track LGBT+ rights activists and members of religious minorities.“ (Freedom House, 4. Oktober 2023)

·      Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2024 - Indonesia, 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2105033.html

„Journalists covering sensitive subjects, including LGBT+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and more] issues, organized crime, sexual assault, and corruption, face harassment, violence, and threats.“ (Freedom House, 2024, D1)

„Threats to academic freedom have increased in recent years. Hard-line groups and others are known to threaten discussions on LGBT+ matters, interfaith issues, Papua, police violence, and the 1965–66 anticommunist massacres. Academics have been charged with defamation and removed from their posts for criticism of public officials.“ (Freedom House, 2024, D3)

„Authorities and influential Muslim organizations continue to intimidate and harass LGBT+ communities, organizations, and activists, hampering groups seeking to provide services to LGBT+ people.“ (Freedom House, 2024, E2)

„LGBT+ people suffer from widespread discrimination, inflammatory and discriminatory rhetoric from authorities, and attacks by hard-line Islamist groups.“ (Freedom House, 2024, F4)

„Local Sharia-based ordinances in many districts impose restrictions on dress, gambling, alcohol use, public displays of affection, and sexual activity; these ordinances are disproportionately enforced against women and LGBT+ people.“ (Freedom House, 2024, G3)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) ist eine internationale Nichtregierungsorganisation mit Sitz in New York City, die sich für den weltweiten Schutz der Menschenrechte einsetzt.

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: Harassment, Threats Prompt Cancellation of LGBT Conference in Indonesia, 19. Juli 2023
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/19/harassment-threats-prompt-cancellation-lgbt-conference-indonesia

„Advocates have canceled a regional gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activists in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, in response to harassment and death threats from Muslim conservatives.

The ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] SOGIE [Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression] Caucus, a regional organization based in the Philippines, had planned to hold their annual ASEAN Queer Advocacy Week in Jakarta in coordination with Arus Pelangi, an Indonesian group, and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, based in Thailand.

Religious conservatives and anti-LGBT groups in Indonesia publicly called for the government to prevent the conference from taking place, demonized LGBT people in the press and on social media, and targeted organizers and participants with harassment, doxxing, and death threats.

Organizers plan to hold the event elsewhere, but have not yet announced when or where it will take place.

The cancellation comes after years of rising anti-LGBT harassment in Indonesia, much of it fueled or perpetrated by the government. This includes the revised Criminal Code, adopted in late 2022, which effectively criminalizes all same-sex activity, among other provisions that are deeply damaging to human rights.“ (HRW, 19. Juli 2023)

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: World Report 2024 - Indonesia, 11. Jänner 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2103156.html

„Indonesian authorities committed or condoned numerous human rights abuses involving discrimination on religious, ethnic, social, gender, and sexual orientation grounds. Disadvantaged groups—in particular religious minorities, women and girls, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people—faced continuing or increasing restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, belief, religion, and movement. Military and police committed abuses with impunity, especially in West Papua, where authorities continued to restrict travel and access by outside media, diplomats, and human rights monitors. […]

On January 2, 2023, President Jokowi signed into law a new criminal code containing problematic provisions that, if implemented and enforced, would undermine freedoms of speech, belief, and association and imperil the rights of women, religious minorities, and LGBT people. […]

The new law criminalizes consensual sex outside of marriage and cohabitation of unrelated persons, permitting intrusions into the most intimate decisions of individuals and families. Since same-sex couples cannot marry in Indonesia, the provisions effectively render same-sex sexual conduct illegal. The law also recognizes ‘any living law’ in the country, which could be interpreted as legitimizing hundreds of discriminatory regulations based on Sharia (Islamic law) that local authorities have imposed in jurisdictions across the country, including curfews for women and girls, mandatory hijab dress codes, and provisions that could impact the rights of LGBT people. […]

Officials continued to target LGBT people. In July, advocates canceled a regional gathering of LGBT activists in Jakarta in response to harassment and death threats from Muslim conservatives. The ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] SOGIE [Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression] Caucus, a regional organization based in the Philippines, had planned to hold their annual ASEAN Queer Advocacy Week in Jakarta during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

On May 28, Pekanbaru police and public security officials arrested 29 women and 28 men in several raided houses in Sukajadi area, accusing them of being ‘LGBT couples.’“ (HRW, 11. Jänner 2024)

Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) ist ein Netzwerk von mehr als 48 Nichtregierungsorganisationen, die sich für die Förderung der Menschenrechte in Indonesien einsetzen .

·      HRWG – Human Rights Working Group (Indonesia's NGO Coalition for International Human Rights Advocacy): The Dark Side of Indonesia's Development under Joko Widodo, Jänner 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZDLzdVl8WVgFPGGLvoLXZYN5BCbpmtAnEZB0MMppnCt1KgjZcRlGNPF+H7hfkEjMnQ==

„It was even recorded that Andalas University, Indonesian University of Education, Gadjah Mada University, Bandung Institute of Technology and High Schools and Junior High Schools in Bangka Belitung have all issued policies of ‘not accepting LGBTQIA+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and more] in institutions’.

Second, the people of LGBTIQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and more] also experience restrictions on access to work. The forms of restrictions are contained in recruitment policies for civil servants and private companies that implement ‘anti-LGBT’ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] recruitment. Apart from that, similar internal regulations in the state apparatus have also emerged. Many district heads, village officials, members of the TNI [Indonesian Army], and Polri [National Police] were frightened and fired from their positions because of circulars that prohibited ‘same-sex’ relationships. […]

CRM [Crisis Response Mechanism] (2023) found LGBTQIA+ people trapped in a perpetual cycle of poverty. It manifests in unstable housing, inconsistent income, poor working conditions, and an inability to make ends meet for some. Amid difficult situations, efforts to change SOGIESC emerged in regional regulations with a heteronormative family approach and social protection. The real form of regulation is Bogor City Regional Regulation Number 10 of 2021 concerning the Prevention and Management of Sexual Deviations, which categorizes LGBTQIA+ people as sexual deviants and can be 'rehabilitated.'“ (HRWG, Jänner 2024, S. 15)

Reuters ist eine internationale Nachrichtenagentur mit Sitz in London.

·      Reuters: Indonesia's transgender community fears threat posed by new law, 11. Jänner 2023
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesias-transgender-community-fears-threat-posed-by-new-law-2023-01-11/

„JAKARTA, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Transgender Indonesian woman Chika Ananda Putrie wakes every morning in her decrepit rented room in a Jakarta slum, worried for her safety because of her gender identity. She saw some of her worst fears come true last month, when the world's largest Muslim-majority country, and its third-largest democracy, banned people from having sex outside marriage or even living together, at the risk of prison time. ‘I am scared of being jailed,’ said Chika, a 28-year-old busker who commutes each day to her preferred spot in a nearby town, and fears being caught living with her partner in a country where the government does not recognise gay marriage.

When the legal changes take effect in three years, such unmarried couples, particularly in the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] community already under pressure from religious conservatives, will have to contend with the constant threat of being reported to police. Even though only a spouse, parent or child may report suspected offences under the new law, experts and rights groups have warned of the risk of misuse by those looking to crush alliances they dislike. It ‘will disproportionately impact LGBT people, who are more likely to be reported by families for relationships they disapprove of,’ New York-based Human Rights Watch said recently. […]

Although homosexuality is considered taboo in Indonesia, it is not illegal, except in the ultra-conservative, autonomous province of Aceh. Gender-fluid communities have historically been an accepted part of society. The Bugis ethnic group on Sulawesi island, for instance, traditionally recognises five genders, including one that is said to ‘transcend’, or combine, the female and male. But a rising tide of conservative Islam has swelled persecution of the LGBT community. ‘In the last three years there has been an increase in case data every year,’ LGBT advocacy group Arus Pelangi said in December, adding that there were more than 90 such incidents last year, up 90% from the previous year. ‘It's possible that the enactment of the criminal code will add to the list of victims from the LGBT community.’

With sexual minorities already living under duress before the new rules, they stand to increase the risk of vigilantism, police raids, and abuse of the law, said Bivitri Susanti, an expert from the Indonesia Jentera school of law. ‘Their lives will be more threatened because the things that were once considered immoral are now illegal,’ she added. Also fuelling concern is a provision on customary law that could lead to some sharia-inspired local laws being replicated elsewhere, reinforcing discrimination against women or LGBT groups.

Like many 'waria', a term combining the words for ‘woman’ and ‘man’ by which transgender women describe themselves, Chika has seen her share of trouble. Her voice trembled as she told of transgender neighbours unfairly driven out of the slum years earlier, after another neighbour blamed a fire on the mere fact of their existence.“ (Reuters, 11. Jänner 2023)

·      Reuters: LGBT event in Indonesia scrapped after security threats, 12. Juli 2023
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/lgbt-event-indonesia-scrapped-after-security-threats-2023-07-12/

„Rights groups have cancelled a Southeast Asian LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] event in Indonesia after receiving security threats, the organisers said, the latest sign of increasing pressure on the community from religious conservatives in the country. Homosexuality is a taboo subject in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, even though it is not illegal except in the sharia-ruled Aceh province.

Other LGBT-related events have also been cancelled in Indonesia due to objections from Islamic groups. In December, the United States called off a visit by its LGBT special envoy after an influential clerical body denounced the visit. Jakarta was set to host the 'ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Queer Advocacy Week' from July 17, bringing together activists from across Southeast Asia to discuss advocacy and navigating challenges. It was jointly organised by Philippines-based rights group ASEAN SOGIE [Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression] Caucus, Indonesia-based Arus Pelangi and other activists. But ASEAN SOGIE Caucus said they have now moved the event outside Indonesia ‘to ensure the safety and security of both the participants and the organiser’. ‘The organizers of the ASEAN Queer Advocacy Week decided to relocate the venue of the programme outside Indonesia, after receiving a series of security threats from various groups,’ ASEAN SOGIE Caucus said in a statement late on Tuesday. It also cited a wave of ‘anti-LGBT sentiments’ on social media. The organisers did not disclose the new venue due to security concerns.

The event has also drawn attention as Indonesia hosts a regional meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers this week, raising questions from some anti-LGBT groups on whether the event was linked to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathering. Indonesia's foreign ministry said the event had ‘nothing to do’ with the regional bloc.

The LGBT event was condemned online and by Islamic groups. ‘The government must not give a permit to an event that contradicts the values of religions in Indonesia,’ said Anwar Abbas of the Indonesian Ulema Council, the powerful Islamic clerical body. ‘Thus, we warn and urge the government not to give permit on the event.’“ (Reuters, 12. Juli 2023)

Transmen Indonesia ist eine 2015 gegründete Trans-Männer-Organisation in Indonesien.

·      Transmen Indonesia: “Human Rights Violation of Transgender Men in Indonesia”; Submission to the Human Rights Committee 140 Session (4-28 March 2024); Review of the third periodic report by Indonesia, Februar 2024
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/DownloadDraft.aspx?key=1cJsGKycgclvjImzvk3XZO8cMI5bJstgYK04YrDKJCjgL1NiIktlzw5taBE7ydPrZaiStbX+1Y+PjmobwgZ8/g==

„In Indonesia, the pathologization of transgender individuals is outlined in the Minister of Social Affairs Regulation4 which categorizes transgender individuals as ‘people with social disabilities and behavioral deviations. This regulation becomes the legal basis for many discriminatory laws and by laws that can be found in the next section.“ (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 2)

„On the contrary, since 2014, 18 new discriminatory laws and policies have been implemented, including the bylaw on the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Deviation Behavior that says, ‘Forms of sexually deviant behavior include homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, and transvetisme’ and eleven other bylaws on Family Protection. Bylaw of West Sumatra Province no. 17 year 2019 on the Implementation of Family Resilience Development, for instance, stating that the community can participate in the implementation of social welfare, including by ‘preventing the spread of deviant behaviors such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender’ (art. 51 and 52). These regulations classify lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals as deviants, which are rooted in the state-sponsored pathologization of transgender individuals explained above.“ (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 2-3)

„However, Indonesia has not established any comprehensive anti-discrimination law that prohibits discrimination, including indirect discrimination, on all grounds, including gender identity and expression.“ (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 3)

„The existing discriminatory laws and the lack of protection furthermore contribute to the emergence of discriminatory policies in various institutions such as workplaces and educational institutions, and deprive impacted communities of legal instruments for seeking justice. In December 2023 only, two of the largest universities in Indonesia issued a ban on 'LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] behavior':

(a)    On December 1, 2023, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Gadjah Mada issued a circular letter on the Prohibition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Activities within the Faculty of Engineering. This applies to students, faculty members, and education staff. The letter was issued after a transgender student was reported for using a restroom designated for women. Individuals within the academic community who violate this directive face 'maximum sanctions,' which could result in expulsion as a student, termination as a faculty member, or dismissal as education staff.

(b)    On December 12, 2023, the Academic Senate of the Bandung Institute of Technology issued regulations on the Prevention and Handling of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Sexual Deviations, which explicitly mentions transgender individuals as a sexual deviation, which should be handled through ‘conversion therapy’ practices.“ (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 3-4)

„The discriminatory laws mentioned above promote and enforce rehabilitation or so-called ‘conversion therapy’ which involves detaining individuals, unnecessary body examinations that lead to sexual harassment, revealing their status to their families, conducting religious lectures, psychotherapy, physical punishment, and coercing individuals to alter their appearance.

‘My partner and I were sitting in the town square, and there were many people there. Suddenly, the Sharia police came and arrested us, claiming that we were lesbians, considered forbidden, and violating the Qanun. We were taken to their office, our parents were called and informed that we were lesbians. After that, I was detained for around 3 weeks. I was moved between social shelters, their office, the office of Integrated Service Center for Women and Children Empowerment. I was repeatedly told to repent, recited prayers, received counseling, and forced to wear a hijab.’ - trans man from Aceh.“ […]

Since 2015, Transmen Indonesia and other LGBTIQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and more] organizations have assisted at least seven transgender men in Indonesia who experienced raids and arrests, conducted by either law enforcement or members of the community, in public spaces or within their residences. Subsequently, they were sent to the Social Affairs Department for so-called rehabilitation or ‘conversion therapy’.” (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 4)

„Transmen Indonesia, along with other LGBTIQ organizations, have documented numerous cases in which transgender men facing the legal system experience ill treatment and acts of torture including unlawful and inhumane detention.

‘On February 4, 2017, Farel was interrogated alone without the presence of legal counsel. The following day, the police issued a detention order and immediately detained Farrel without clear reasons specified by the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). During detention, Farel slept in a holding cell with minimal facilities, using a carpet as bedding.’ - case of Farel, trans man from North Sumatera.

‘When I visited D, his face was bruised and his lips were torn. During detention, he was repeatedly beaten by the police, stomped on, and forced to confess as a woman. They continuosly threatened to rape D to 'prove and remind D that he is a woman.'’ - testimony from D's legal companion, a trans man from Central Java.

Despite the emergence of new positive policies such as the Sexual Violence Criminal Law, the lack of understanding among law enforcement officials regarding gender identity issues leads to discrimination and violence against transgender men facing the law, including those who experience violence and report their cases. This results in a lack of trust among transgender men in the law enforcement process.

These conditions obstruct trans men from seeking assistance when experiencing discrimination and violence. Our study reveals that 71.1% of transgender men ultimately avoid seeking any help when encountering discrimination and violence, with one of the reasons being the fear of additional violence.“ (Transmen Indonesia, Februar 2024, S. 6-7)

Das US Department of State (USDOS) ist das US-Bundesministerium, das für die auswärtigen Angelegenheiten der Vereinigten Staaten zuständig ist.

·      USDOS – US Department of State: 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Indonesia, 23. April 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2107730.html

„Acts Of Violence, Criminalization, And Other Abuses Based On Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Or Expression, Or Sex Characteristics

Criminalization: No national law criminalized consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults; however, NGOs reported several cases where vaguely defined laws related to pornography and facilitation of prostitution were used to prosecute LGBTQI+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and more] individuals. NGOs reported numerous local government regulations defined same-sex sexual conduct as a form of sexual deviance. Such local laws were rarely enforced.

In July Garut Regency became the fifth local government to enact anti-LGBTQI+ legislation when Regent Rudy Gunawan signed a law creating a taskforce to prevent and monitor ‘immorality,’ including same-sex relationships.

Consensual same-sex sexual conduct was illegal in Aceh and punishable by a maximum of 100 lashes, a considerable fine, or a 100-month prison term. According to Aceh’s sharia agency chief, at least four witnesses were required to observe individuals engaging in consensual same-sex sexual conduct for them to be charged. NGOs reported that fear of prosecution under sharia in Aceh at times caused LGBTQI+ activists to flee the province, sometimes permanently.

In July Pekanbaru community police carried out ‘surveillance raids’ of guesthouses, seeking to deter same-sex relationships using their authority to uphold ‘public order.’ Local police chief Zulfahmi Adrian acknowledged no LGBTQI+ persons were arrested and said it was difficult to uncover LGBTQI+ cases because there was no local prohibition against men or women sleeping in the same room or living in the same house.

Violence and Harassment: Police corruption, bias, and violence caused LGBTQI+ persons to avoid interaction with police. Officials often ignored formal complaints by victims and affected persons, including refusing to investigate bullying directed at LGBTQI+ individuals. In criminal cases with LGBTQI+ victims, police investigated the cases reasonably well. According to media and NGO reports, local authorities harassed transgender persons, including by forcing them to conform to cultural standards of behavior associated with their biological sex or to pay bribes following detention. In many cases, officials failed to protect LGBTQI+ persons from societal abuse. After local media in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, published a story regarding an openly gay pastor, church leaders removed him from his position and allegedly kept him from pastoring in neighboring churches.

Discrimination: National antidiscrimination law did not protect LGBTQI+ individuals, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons occurred. Transgender persons faced discrimination in employment and access to public services and health care.

In January Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution characterized same-sex relationships as counter to national culture and proclaimed Medan an ‘anti-LGBT’ city in public remarks.

In July a police officer from the Civil Service Police Unit in Dharmasraya, West Sumatra Province, was fired on suspicion of being a lesbian. She was accused of acting immorally after a video of her hugging another woman was widely viewed on social media.

Availability of Legal Gender Recognition: The country recognized ‘sex’ rather than ‘gender’ on official documents. Updating sex markers on legal documents was possible but required completed medical interventions including surgery and attestation by court order. Judges had the discretion to grant a court order. NGOs reported at least one case where the petitioner presented evidence of a medical sex change and the judge denied the request due to his self-described conservative values.

Involuntary or Coercive Medical or Psychological Practices: No law or regulation prohibited or otherwise restricted so-called conversion therapy practices. According to activists, transgender individuals were at times subjected to ‘therapy’ such as exorcism practices, religious camps, and other traumatic practices. Families often put LGBTQI+ children into therapy, confined them to their homes, or pressured them to marry persons of the opposite sex. No known forced medical procedures were performed on children or nonconsenting adult intersex persons.

NGOs criticized a law in the city of Bogor, West Java, aimed at ‘rehabilitating’ those perceived to suffer from abnormal sexual behavior, saying it violated rights and targeted LGBTQI+ individuals and communities.

Restrictions of Freedom of Expression, Association, or Peaceful Assembly: Some LGBTQI+ advocacy groups reported that when attempting to register their organizations, they were unable to state explicitly that they were LGBTQI+ advocacy groups on their registration certificate. LGBTQI+ NGOs operated but reported licenses or permits required for public events were difficult to obtain. Some were pressured by police not to hold such events to avoid creating ‘social unrest.’

Producing media depicting consensual same-sex sexual conduct – vaguely and broadly defined in the law – could be prosecuted as a crime. Penalties included potentially extremely large fines and imprisonment up to 15 years. NGOs reported that the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology sometimes requested removal of information related to LGBTQI+ matters from internet sites. Government bodies censored domestic and imported movies for depicting same-sex relationships and prohibited television programs from having LGBTQI+ content.

In July organizers of ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Queer Advocacy Week were forced to cancel a regional conference in Jakarta due to threats from various groups who urged the government to prohibit the event. The LGBTQI+ advocacy organization ASEAN SOGIE [Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression] Caucus, in a since-deleted July 10 Instagram post, invited LGBTQI+ activists from other Southeast Asia countries to Jakarta in July for a week of discussion and advocacy. The post resulted in violent threats and a police memorandum ordering Jakarta hotels to report LGBTQI+-related gatherings. Anwar Abbas, deputy chairperson of Indonesian Ulema Council, urged the government not to grant permission to the event, claiming it would constitute ‘a violation of the constitution.’ Similarly, the Nahdlatul Ulama National Board Chairman for Religious Affairs, KH [Kyai Haji] Ahmad Fahrurrozi told media such events clearly violated the country’s religious and cultural norms. People’s Consultative Agency Deputy Chairperson Yandri Susanto also rejected the event and argued police should take necessary steps to ensure such events did not happen.

Following the ASEAN Queer Advocacy Week incident, on July 26, an LGBTQI+ NGO consortium was reported to police for hosting a capacity-building workshop at a hotel. Police arrived and insisted on monitoring the event, although they allowed it to continue. Activists reported the police memorandum directing hotels to report LGBTQI+ meetings had a chilling effect on the LGBTQI+ community and many NGOs stopped gathering in public places.“ (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6)