Straighten LGBT Issues In TNI, MA: No Organization Exists WhatsApp Group

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Supreme Court (MA) Andi Samsan Nganro straightened the statement by the Head of the Military Chamber of the Supreme Court, Burhan Dahlan, which stated that there were lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) groups in the TNI and Polri.

According to him, the group that Burhan meant was not an organization that had a chairman or representative but only a conversation group on the WhatsApp chat application.

"It needs to be clarified that the homosexual TNI soldiers are not in an organized form but rather in the WA group with the name of a particular community," Andi was quoted as saying in his written statement, Wednesday, October 21.

Furthermore, Andi said Burhan's explanation in the Technical Guidance and Judicial Administration activities in the Four Courts of Justice throughout Indonesia was actually intended to express the high commitment of the TNI leadership in enforcing the law against law violations committed by TNI soldiers.

In addition, this statement also shows that TNI personnel who are involved in homosexual acts or same-sex intercourse must be given strict action or sanctions. "Emphasize the ranks of the military judiciary to carefully prosecute soldiers involved in homosexual offenses," he stressed.

Next, Andi also explained that currently there are 20 homosexual cases in the TNI environment which are currently being processed by his institution. He said that currently there were 16 cases that had been decided at the cassation level while the rest were acquitted at the court of first instance. This free decision led to the disappointment of the TNI leadership.

"That the verdict on acquittal for violation of the law is considered to be disappointing to the TNI leadership and affect the disciplinary life of soldiers," he said.

Previously, the head of the Supreme Court's Military Chamber Burhan Dahlan asked the military judge not to hesitate to fire LGBT members of the TNI. His request was submitted because there were more than 20 cases where the perpetrators were even acquitted by the Military Court of the first instance.

"There are 20 cases. There is a doctor Lieutenant Colonel, some have just graduated from the Military Academy, Second Lieutenant," Burhan said on the Supreme Court YouTube account.

According to him, TNI soldiers are included in this LGBT group because of lifestyle factors. In addition, he said there were LGBT associations within the TNI-Polri environment. "The leader is sergeant. The members are Lieutenant Colonel. This is unique," he said.