Yusril: Presidential Decree 111/2025 Cannot Be the Basis for Persecution of LGBTQ Individuals

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra gives information to the media via video. ANTARA/HO-Kemenko Kumham Imipas RI

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra reminded that Presidential Regulation Number 111 of 2025 concerning the General Policy on State Defense for 2025-2029 should not be used as a basis for persecution, threats, violence, or discrimination against LBGTQ individuals.

He emphasized that the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals as human beings and citizens must still be respected, as guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution.

"This Presidential Decree must not be interpreted as a basis for persecution. Their rights as citizens are still respected," said Yusril as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, July 9.

He said the government did not question the existence of individuals who identify themselves as LBGTQ.

According to him, the existence of individuals with certain conditions or tendencies is a social reality that has long been known in various traditions, religions, and legal discussions.

Thus, he said, what is questioned is not the individual because he has never been a threat to the country's defense.

He said that what was considered a threat to the country in Presidential Decree 111/2025 was the spread of LGBTQ ideas, ideologies, philosophies, or cultures, which, if widely practiced, could potentially affect national resilience.

In this context, the government considers it necessary to anticipate the spread of propaganda through official media, social media, online media, the internet, and various other communication channels.

"This step is taken to ensure that the values of the nation's culture, the Pancasila philosophy, and the character of Indonesia as a religious and multi-ethnic nation are protected," he said.

Yusril said the new Criminal Code (KUHP) also did not discriminate against a person's sexual orientation.

It was explained that the Criminal Code regulates criminal acts, such as rape, obscene acts, pornography, sexual violence, and other criminal acts.

He also emphasized that every legal policy in Indonesia is drafted by considering cultural values, national philosophy, and religious values that live in society.

Therefore, continued Yusril, the policies of other countries, including those that legalize same-sex marriage, do not necessarily become a reference for Indonesia.

In that way, he again emphasized that Presidential Regulation 111/2025 needs to be understood within the framework of the country's defense.

"The government is not discriminating against someone's sexual orientation, but is trying to maintain national resilience from the spread of ideas or propaganda that is considered not in line with the values of Pancasila, national culture, and the Indonesian character," said Yusril.