Indonesia LGBTQ+ community faces rising violence and state discrimination

Human rights organizations are warning of escalating dangers for LGBTQ+ individuals in Indonesia due to rising violence, surveillance, and discriminatory state policies. A significant driver of concern is a 2025 national defense policy that classifies the “spread of LGBTQ culture” as a non-military threat to the nation.

While Indonesia lacks a nationwide law criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships, individuals face prosecution under broadly worded morality and pornography laws. In Aceh, local Sharia law allows for public caning, fines, or imprisonment for same-sex activity. Rights groups have documented increased raids on private gatherings, harassment of students at universities, and online campaigns targeting gender-diverse individuals.

Data from the Arus Pelangi and Kami Berani Coalition indicates a sharp rise in incidents, documenting 23 cases affecting 201 LGBTQ+ people between July 16 and August 5, 2026. This follows 94 recorded cases of violence involving 141 victims throughout 2024 and 2025. Activists suggest the actual scale of violence may be higher as many victims avoid reporting due to fear of retaliation.