Jakarta Official Proposes Restricting LGBTQ Advocacy by 2027

A planned local regulation slated for 2027 aims to restrict public LGBTQ advocacy in Jakarta, following demonstrations over the weekend, the Jakarta Globe reported.

Muhammad Hasan Abdillah, a member of the Prosperous Justice Party, announced the upcoming legislative push during a press briefing at the Jakarta City Council building on Wednesday. The proposal arrives directly in the wake of the Women’s March Jakarta on Nov. 7, which saw civil society organizations, environmental activists, workers, and indigenous communities rally along a route stretching from the Sarinah intersection to the Horse Statue monument in Central Jakarta.

Participants in the march presented nine distinct demands centered on gender equality, social protection, civil liberties, and stronger safeguards for women’s rights. LGBTQ rights advocates also joined the demonstration to call for equal treatment and respect under the law, with some participants noting their contributions to society through tax payments.

Hasan argued that the inclusion of LGBTQ advocacy during the demonstration warranted a swift policy response from city leaders, claiming that public campaigns have grown increasingly visible. “This can no longer be allowed to continue. As the administration in Jakarta, we must take a firm stance. We cannot allow this because it harms our younger generation,” Hasan told reporters.

The council member further pointed to a presidential regulation that he maintained classified LGBTQ issues as a non-military threat, calling the situation dangerous. He urged public backing for government efforts to counter such advocacy and suggested that LGBTQ individuals should receive guidance toward a different way of life.

“We will propose and process the regulation in 2027,” Hasan said.

The lawmaker did not outline specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or the detailed provisions the proposed regulation would contain.