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24 May 2022

Indonesia condemns British ambassador for flying rainbow flag outside embassy

by Gareth Johnson

Showing support for LGBTQ Pride has created some tension.

Government officials in Indonesia have summoned the country’s British ambassador after a simply display of LGBTQ+ solidarity. 
The British embassy paid tribute LGBTQ+ community on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May by displaying a rainbow flag at its Jakarta headquarters. The annually observed day aims to raise awareness about anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and violence.
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The embassy posted an image of the LGBTQ+ flag on its Instagram, alongside a message of support for the community which received nearly 4,500 likes.
“Sometimes it is important to take a stand for what you think is right, even if disagreement between friends can be uncomfortable”, the post read, adding: “The UK will champion LGBT+ rights and support those who defend them.”
“We urge the international community to eradicate discrimination, including based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to promote diversity and tolerance,” it continued.
However, officials in Indonesia have now summoned the British ambassador, Owen Jenkins, to explain the move which has been branded “disrespectful” by the government.
“The foreign ministry reminds foreign representatives to be respectful of the sensitivities among Indonesians on matters relevant with their culture, religion and belief,” authorities said in a statement cited by the Independent. 
Prominent Islamic movement, Alumni 212 Brotherhood, also condemned the British embassy, saying that the display of the LGBTQ+ flag sullied the “sacred values of Indonesia” in accordance with the laws of Islam.
With exception to the province of Aceh, same-sex relationships are legal in Indonesia. However, 2020 saw the proposition of legislation that would force LGBTQ+ people into government-sanctioned “rehabilitation centres”, as widespread discrimination continues across the country.
Although the bill was never made law, conversion therapy, including exorcism, remains legal in the country. Advocacy groups such as the Human Rights Watch have continued to note discrimination against religious minorities, women and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Government officials in Indonesia have summoned the country’s British ambassador after a rainbow flag was spotted flying outside the embassy in Jakarta.

By flying the rainbow flag, the British embassy was recognising IDAHOBIT - the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia which is marked each year on 17 May.

The embassy posted an image of the rainbow flag on its Instagram, and captioned it with the message: “Sometimes it is important to take a stand for what you think is right, even if disagreement between friends can be uncomfortable. The UK will champion LGBT+ rights and support those who defend them. We urge the international community to eradicate discrimination, including based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to promote diversity and tolerance."

However, officials in Indonesia have now summoned the British ambassador, Owen Jenkins, to explain the move which has been branded “disrespectful” by the Indonesian government.

“The foreign ministry reminds foreign representatives to be respectful of the sensitivities among Indonesians on matters relevant with their culture, religion and belief...” authorities said in a statement.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Indonesia?

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Indonesia? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.

Is homosexuality legal in Indonesia?

Pretty much. In most of Indonesia, homosexuality is not criminalised. But there are some parts of the country that operate under Sharia law, which criminalises same-sex sexual activity.

Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Indonesia?

No. There are no protections from discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

Is there Marriage Equality in Indonesia?

No. There is no legal recognition for same-sex relationships.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Indonesia?

Indonesia is a socially conservative country. Homosexuality is seen as a taboo subject.

Homophobia is systemic. It appears that censorship restrictions and public decency laws are being used to target and persecute LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ people conceal their sexuality.

Indonesia