Indonesia Police Arrest 56 Men at “Gay Sex Party”, Three Face Up to 15 Years in Jail for Breaching Pornography Laws
A Taboo Subject in a Muslim-Majority Country
Although homosexuality is legal in most of Indonesia, it is often viewed as a taboo subject in the predominantly Muslim country. This reality was recently highlighted when Indonesian police arrested 56 men at a “gay sex party” in the capital Jakarta, with three of them facing up to 15 years in jail on charges of breaching pornography laws.
The Arrests
The men were arrested on Saturday at a South Jakarta hotel after a “same-sex sex party,” police spokesperson Ade Ary Syam Indradi told reporters late on Monday. Three of those arrested were named as criminal suspects for organising the event.
The Charges
The three named suspects were accused of facilitating “pornography” services, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years, Indradi said. The event was described as “merely based on pleasure that they wanted to seek,” with authorities finding condoms and HIV medications at the party.
A Hostile Environment for the Gay Community
Activists have long claimed that the anti-pornography laws are often misused to target the gay community. In 2017, hundreds were arrested in police raids of a club, a hotel, and a spa, which Amnesty International said were further evidence of “an increasingly hostile environment” for the gay community.
A Survey on Public Opinion
A survey by the think-tank Pew Research Center in 2020 showed that 80% of Indonesians believe homosexuality “should not be accepted by society.” This widespread social stigma and discrimination contribute to a difficult environment for the gay community, making it challenging for them to live openly and freely.
Conclusion
The recent arrests of 56 men at a “gay sex party” in Jakarta highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the gay community in Indonesia. The anti-pornography laws are often misused, and the community is subject to discrimination and stigma. It is essential to create a more accepting and inclusive society, where individuals can live without fear of persecution.
FAQs
* Is homosexuality legal in most of Indonesia?
+ Yes, homosexuality is legal in most of Indonesia, including the capital.
* Is it a taboo subject in Indonesia?
+ Yes, it is generally considered a taboo subject in the Muslim-majority country.
* How many people were arrested in the recent raids?
+ 56 men were arrested at a “gay sex party” in Jakarta.
* What are the charges against the three named suspects?
+ They are accused of facilitating “pornography” services, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years.