Indonesia’s Transgender Community Faces Rising Repression Under New Security Policy

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s 2025 presidential decree, which classified the "promotion of LGBTQ+ culture" as a nonmilitary threat to national security, has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups. The move, part of a broader defense policy, has coincided with a wave of violent attacks targeting transgender women, raising concerns about escalating repression against the LGBTQ+ community in the country. ## Surge in Violence Against Transgender Women In mid-July, multiple transphobic incidents occurred across Indonesia, with mobs targeting transgender women in cities like Bogor, West Java. In one particularly brutal attack, over 15 trans women were doused with urine, forced to undress, and physically assaulted. The footage, which circulated on social media, further fueled online hate, with netizens using slurs and calling for more attacks. ## Legal and Social Discrimination While Indonesia lacks explicit anti-LGBTQ+ laws, existing legal frameworks indirectly discriminate against queer individuals. Transgender people can only change their legal gender after sex reassignment surgery and judicial approval. Same-sex activities can also be criminalized under moral laws, with the conservative province of Aceh enforcing harsh penalties, including flogging and imprisonment. Febi Ramadhan, a social anthropology researcher at Universitas Indonesia, notes that anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes among political leaders have hardened over the past decade. He traces this shift to 2016, when the government fueled a moral panic by proposing bills to criminalize LGBTQ+ behavior and labeling queer identities as mental illnesses. The recent attacks, he argues, are part of a broader pattern of escalating violence. ## Government Policies and Media Restrictions The 2025 decree marks a step toward codifying anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination into federal law, framed as a measure to preserve national unity. Febi suggests that economic instability, such as the 2025 protests over a stagnant economy, has contributed to the scapegoating of queer communities. Additionally, laws restricting freedom of speech, including the Broadcasting Bill, have banned LGBTQ+ content on TV and radio, further marginalizing the community. Rifki Lafayette, a queer journalist, highlights the chilling effect of these restrictions on media coverage. Many journalists self-censor to avoid government backlash, reinforcing a culture of silence around LGBTQ+ issues. Vigilante attacks, emboldened by state rhetoric, have also made reporting on queer stories more dangerous, with journalists facing verbal harassment and physical threats. ## Grassroots Resistance and Digital Activism Despite the challenges, grassroots organizations like Social Justice Indonesia (SJI) are adapting to the hostile environment. Cornelius Prabhaswara, a human rights activist with SJI, notes that attacks now come not just from religious authorities but also from random individuals, complicating advocacy efforts. The group has shifted focus to managing online discourse and combating doxxing, as social media has become both a tool for hate and a lifeline for queer communities. Mutual aid campaigns, particularly on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, have become crucial for supporting victims of hate crimes. However, funding cuts-such as the defunding of USAID-have forced advocacy groups to find new ways to sustain their work. Cornelius praises younger Indonesians for stepping forward to support the community, despite the risks. ## A Double-Edged Sword: Social Media’s Role While social media amplifies hate crimes, it also provides a space for queer Indonesians to organize, find community, and mobilize support. Platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) allow younger generations to express their identities and contribute to collective efforts. However, the same digital spaces expose victims to prolonged harassment, underscoring the complex role of online platforms in both oppression and resistance. As state-backed repression and vigilante violence continue, the resilience of Indonesia’s LGBTQ+ community will depend on its ability to leverage digital tools for advocacy and mutual aid amid shrinking civil spaces.