UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein warned Indonesia to "move forward – not backwards – on human rights" after a three day visit to a country widely accused of backsliding on the rights of LGBT.

"The hateful rhetoric against this community that is being cultivated seemingly for cynical political purposes will only deepen their suffering and create unnecessary divisions," Hussein told a press conference in Jakarta.

Indonesia has seen a slew of anti-LGBT actions in the last two years, including raids on gay saunas and beauty parlours.

Parliament is currently debating adjustments to the penal code which would see same sex relations outlawed.

Hussein said he raised the issue of LGBT discrimination with senior officials, including President Joko Widodo, according to the South China Morning Post.

"At a time when it is consolidating its democratic gains, we urge Indonesians to move forward – not backwards – on human rights.," he said this week.