Batu and Pekanbaru Tighten LGBT Oversight Under New Presidential Regulation

The governments of Batu and Pekanbaru in Indonesia are preparing local regulations to curb public LGBT campaigns following President Prabowo Subianto’s Presidential Regulation No. 111/2025, which classifies the spread of LGBTQ culture as a non‑military national threat.

In Batu, Deputy Mayor Heli Suyanto said the focus is on limiting mass public propaganda rather than targeting individuals, stressing that “the concern is campaign or propaganda carried out massively in public spaces, not personal persecution.” The city plans to strengthen public order rules and monitor accommodation venues to prevent large‑scale events that could affect its family‑tourism image.

In Pekanbaru, Deputy Mayor Markarius Anwar announced coordinated programs with stakeholders to “prevent and eradicate deviant behaviour,” directing the Satpol PP to increase enforcement in areas seen as potential sites for HIV/AIDS transmission and illicit activities linked to LGBT communities. He added that “programs are underway.” Both cities aim to balance the new oversight with their economic and social considerations.