Socio Today
JAKARTA – The Indonesian government has issued a stern warning that Presidential Regulation (Perpres) 111/2025 on National Defense General Policy is not a legal basis for individuals or groups to engage in intimidation, violence, or vigilantism against the LGBTQ+ community. Minister Koordinator for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, unequivocally stated that acts of persecution against any societal group are indefensible within a state governed by law. His remarks came in response to a surge in reported incidents of persecution targeting transgender individuals in various cities across the archipelago, underscoring a critical juncture in the nation’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
“No one is permitted to use Presidential Regulation Number 111 of 2025 as a basis for intimidation, violence, or taking the law into their own hands against any citizen,” Yusril emphasized in a press statement released in Jakarta on Monday, July 20, 2027. The minister’s statement sought to clarify the intent and scope of the regulation, which has, according to reports, been subject to misinterpretation leading to alarming social unrest and direct threats to the safety of vulnerable communities. He stressed the importance of understanding the regulation’s true purpose, cautioning against any skewed interpretations that could be weaponized to justify persecution against specific groups within society.
The Genesis of Perpres 111/2025: National Resilience and Non-Military Threats
Presidential Regulation 111/2025 outlines the general policy for national defense, primarily focusing on strengthening national resilience against non-military threats. The conceptual framework of "national resilience" (ketahanan nasional) in Indonesia is broad, encompassing various aspects from economic stability to socio-cultural integrity. In recent years, official discourse has increasingly included what are termed "deviant ideologies" or "behaviors that contradict national values" as non-military threats. Within this framework, the regulation explicitly mentions the anticipation of propaganda and the spread of LGBTQ+ ideologies and behaviors, including same-sex sexual relations and same-sex marriage, which are seen by some as attempts to normalize these practices and values within Indonesian society.
The regulation aims to prevent the widespread acceptance of such concepts, viewing them as potential erosions of the nation’s cultural and religious norms, which are deeply rooted in Pancasila, the state ideology. The government’s intent, as articulated by Yusril, is to address these perceived threats through preventative measures and strategic policy, not through punitive actions by the public. This nuance is critical, as the Perpres is designed to fortify the state’s resilience and uphold societal values through legal and institutional means, rather than empowering citizens to enforce moral codes through extrajudicial actions. The challenge, however, lies in communicating this distinction effectively to a populace where conservative social views often conflate policy concerns with a mandate for direct action.
Minister Yusril’s Clarification: A Stance Against Vigilantism
Minister Yusril unequivocally reiterated that Perpres 111/2025 should under no circumstances be used as an excuse for persecution. “The state does not condone acts of vigilantism or self-justice in any form,” he asserted, directly addressing the recent incidents of public harassment and violence. His strong condemnation serves as a crucial reminder of Indonesia’s fundamental identity as a negara hukum (rule of law state), where all disputes and social dynamics must be resolved through established legal mechanisms. Yusril underscored that any alleged violations must be handled by authorized law enforcement agencies, ensuring due process and the protection of rights for all involved parties.
The minister’s statement also highlighted the core principle of the Perpres: the prevention of the propaganda and dissemination of LGBTQ+ ideologies and behaviors, which are currently categorized as non-military threats to national resilience. However, he adamantly clarified that this principle does not translate into a justification for discrimination or violence against individuals. “Perpres 111 of 2025 does not grant authority to the public to persecute anyone,” Yusril affirmed, directly refuting any interpretations that might suggest such empowerment. He further stressed the state’s unwavering obligation to guarantee the constitutional rights of all citizens, as mandated by the 1945 Constitution, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Indonesia as a Rule of Law State: Upholding Constitutional Guarantees
As a nation founded on the principles of the rule of law, Indonesia is legally bound to uphold legal enforcement and protect the fundamental rights of all its citizens. The 1945 Constitution enshrines various rights, including the right to life, freedom from discrimination, and protection from violence, for every individual residing within its borders. Yusril emphasized that while the state prohibits pornography, immoral acts, and efforts to influence or spread behaviors contrary to prevailing norms, it concurrently maintains its duty to ensure the constitutional rights of those individuals who may be perceived as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
This includes the basic rights to clothing, food, shelter, and a decent livelihood. The minister’s nuanced position acknowledges the existence and concerns surrounding LGBTQ+ communities as a social phenomenon that needs to be addressed, particularly regarding the propagation of what the state deems as ‘deviant’ ideologies. However, he adamantly stressed that curtailing the proliferation of LGBTQ+ groups cannot be achieved through unlawful means or violence against individuals. The state’s obligation to protect every citizen from violence, intimidation, and persecution remains paramount, alongside its duty to enforce the law according to established regulations. This delicate balance between upholding moral values and protecting individual rights is a continuous challenge for the Indonesian government, particularly in a society marked by strong religious and cultural conservatism.
A Broader Societal Context: LGBTQ+ in Indonesia
The discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ issues in Indonesia is complex, deeply intertwined with religious morality, cultural traditions, and interpretations of national ideology. While there are no specific laws criminalizing homosexuality in Indonesia (except in Aceh province, which operates under Sharia law), societal attitudes are largely conservative. The majority of Indonesians identify as Muslim, and Islamic teachings, alongside other major religions practiced in the country, generally do not condone same-sex relationships or gender non-conformity. This conservative outlook often fuels public and political opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, viewing them as imported Western values that threaten the nation’s moral fabric.
Over the past decade, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has intensified, particularly following a surge in public discussion and social media visibility for LGBTQ+ issues. This led to a significant backlash from conservative religious groups, politicians, and elements within the media. Campaigns against LGBTQ+ individuals have included calls for criminalization, censorship of related content, and public shaming. The inclusion of "propaganda and the spread of LGBTQ+ ideologies and behaviors" as a non-military threat in Perpres 111/2025 reflects this prevailing societal concern and the government’s response to it. However, human rights organizations both domestically and internationally have consistently voiced concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for increased discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in Indonesia. They argue that such policies, even if not directly criminalizing, create a hostile environment that infringes upon fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and the right to live free from fear and discrimination.
The Peril of Persecution: Recent Incidents and the Rise of Anti-LGBTQ+ Groups
The minister’s urgent warning was prompted by tangible and distressing events on the ground. Recent months have seen a troubling resurgence of public scrutiny and hostility towards LGBTQ+ communities in Indonesia. Reports from several cities indicate the formation of "anti-LGBTQ+" groups, which have taken it upon themselves to "eradicate" these communities. These groups have engaged in alarming activities, including "sweeping" operations, pursuing individuals identified as LGBTQ+, and, in some instances, committing acts of violence. Particularly concerning are the reports of physical assault against transgender individuals in various urban centers, highlighting the severe consequences of unchecked vigilantism.
These incidents underscore a dangerous trend where a segment of the public, potentially misinterpreting government policy or driven by strong moral convictions, feels empowered to act as self-appointed moral police. Such actions not only violate the law but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for vulnerable groups. The rise of these vigilante groups represents a significant challenge to the state’s authority and its commitment to maintaining public order through legal means. It also tests the delicate balance between freedom of expression for all citizens and the state’s declared intent to protect national values from perceived threats. The government’s clear stance, as articulated by Minister Yusril, is therefore crucial in reasserting the monopoly of legitimate force and legal process in addressing social issues.
Implications for Human Rights and International Standing
The current situation in Indonesia, marked by the promulgation of Perpres 111/2025 and the subsequent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ vigilantism, carries significant implications for human rights and the nation’s international standing. Indonesia is a signatory to various international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), both of which commit the state to upholding non-discrimination and protecting fundamental freedoms. Actions that lead to persecution and violence against any group, regardless of the perceived moral justification, risk violating these international commitments.
Human rights organizations, both within Indonesia and globally, are closely monitoring these developments. A consistent pattern of state policies or societal actions that undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals could lead to increased international criticism and scrutiny. This could impact Indonesia’s reputation as a pluralistic and democratic nation, potentially affecting its diplomatic relations, trade partnerships, and even tourism. The government’s challenge is to demonstrate its commitment to human rights for all citizens while navigating complex domestic social and religious sentiments. Yusril’s statement, by clearly condemning vigilantism and emphasizing constitutional protections, serves as an important signal to the international community that the state does not endorse such actions, even as it addresses concerns about the spread of certain ideologies.
Navigating the Future: Balancing Moral Values, Rights, and National Cohesion
The current scenario presents a profound challenge for Indonesia: how to balance the state’s desire to uphold traditional moral and religious values, as reflected in Perpres 111/2025, with its constitutional obligation to protect the rights and safety of all its citizens, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Minister Yusril’s intervention is a critical step in reaffirming the primacy of the rule of law and condemning extrajudicial actions. However, merely issuing warnings may not be sufficient to curb deeply entrenched prejudices or the actions of organized vigilante groups.
Moving forward, the government must undertake a multi-pronged approach. This includes:
- Clearer Communication: Ensuring that the intent and limitations of Perpres 111/2025 are widely and clearly communicated to prevent further misinterpretation. Public education campaigns could explain that the regulation is a preventative measure at the state level, not a call for public enforcement.
- Robust Law Enforcement: Swift and decisive action against individuals and groups engaging in vigilantism, intimidation, and violence is essential. This would send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated and that the state holds the sole authority for law enforcement.
- Promoting Dialogue: Fostering constructive dialogue between different segments of society, including religious leaders, human rights advocates, and community representatives, to bridge divides and promote understanding, rather than escalating conflict.
- Upholding Constitutional Rights: Consistently affirming and protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens, ensuring that no one is deprived of basic necessities or subjected to violence simply because of their identity or perceived lifestyle.
The path ahead for Indonesia requires careful navigation to maintain social cohesion while upholding its constitutional principles and international human rights commitments. The incidents surrounding Perpres 111/2025 and the subsequent anti-LGBTQ+ actions serve as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned policies can have unintended and dangerous consequences if not accompanied by clear guidance and strong enforcement of the rule of law. The government’s ability to manage this complex situation will be a key determinant of its commitment to human rights and its vision for an inclusive and just society.
