Indonesia condemns England over the flying of the Pride flag
Government officials in Indonesia have summoned Indonesia’s British ambassador to explain its motivations behind the flying of the Pride flag on May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The Pride flag was erected outside the British Embassy in Jakarta in an act of solidarity on that day.
In addition to flying the flag outside its headquarters, the embassy went the extra step of posting an image of the flag on their Instagram account. The photo garnered several thousand likes, which seemed to upset Indonesian government officials.
The move on England’s part did seem to be politically motivated, and not just a show of solidarity and celebration for the LGBTQ community. Along with the photo was a detailed nuanced message that called out those not standing up for LGBTQ rights. The post lead with the following words:
“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.”
The UK holds that LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights. Love is precious. ❤️ Everyone, everywhere, should be free to love who they love and express themselves without fear of violence or discrimination. They should not have to suffer shame or guilt just for being who they are. 🙏🏳️🌈
Among other things, it continued with statements such as this:
We urge the international community to eradicate discrimination, including based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to promote diversity and tolerance. We urge countries to decriminalise consensual same sex relations, and to introduce legislation that protects LGBT+ people from all forms of discrimination.
Owen Jenkins, who is the British Ambassador to Indonesia has been asked to explain the move after it was deemed disrespectful by the Indonesian government. According to a statement released in The Independent, the foreign ministry reminds foreign representatives to be respectful of the sensitivities among Indonesians on matters relevant with their culture, religion and belief,” said authorities.
Indonesia is a country that is continuing to struggle when it comes to legitimizing and providing equality for its LGBTQ citizens. While same sex unions are not illegal in Indonesia, discrimination is still widespread within Indonesia’s borders, conversion therapy is still legal and practiced, and in 2020 a proposition of legislation was introduced that would force LGBTQ people into rehab centers. While the proposal is yet to become actual legislation, such things are examples of the struggles of the LGBTQ community within Indonesia.
The result of the meeting between Jenkins and Indonesian government officials remains unknown at this point. Watch this space as further information is released.
