Controversy over the British Embassy Raising the LGBT Rainbow Flag in Today's History, May 21, 2022

The British Embassy in Indonesia uploaded a photo of the LGBT rainbow flag. (Instagram/@ukinindonesia)

JAKARTA - History today, four years ago, May 21, 2022, the British Embassy in Indonesia uploaded a photo of the rainbow flag, a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, on Instagram, which was controversial. The action triggered criticism and condemnation.

Previously, the issue of LGBT was banned in Indonesia. The majority of Indonesians consider LGBT to be against religious norms. LGBT is nothing more than a social deviation. This condition makes political elites begin to discuss the criminalization of LGBT perpetrators.

The presence of LGBT people is not a new thing in Indonesia. They have been present since the beginning. However, recently in the 2020s, the existence of LGBT people has increased. LGBT adherents openly voiced their right to be recognized by the state.

The narrative has indeed succeeded in attracting attention in governments in various parts of the world. However, not in Indonesia. Indonesia with a majority of people of Muslim faith considers LGBT not a normal difference. LGBT is considered a form of deviation because it is against religious norms.

Discussions related to LGBT then heated up when the radio program, Deddy Corbuzier, caused a stir in early May 2022. At that time, his content included an interview with Deddy with LGBT people, Ragil and his same-sex partner, Frederick Vollert.

The presence of the content invited criticism and condemnation. The blasphemy was aimed at because the broadcast was seen as damaging morals. As a result, the broadcast content had to be deleted. The impact of the increased discussion space related to LGBT began to be hot and serious.

Rejection related to LGBT activities comes from everywhere. Elements of the government consider LGBT to be nothing more than a social disease. In fact, there was a discourse to criminalize LGBT perpetrators in the new Criminal Code bill. Even though there is no specific article that regulates LGBT.

"Previously, the discussion was delayed because the DPR was under pressure from NGOs, civil society. So, is it the government's fault? The government has a stance, has a moderate concept about it (LGBT). Then the DPR lost to public pressure, yes, it's not our business," said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Human Rights (Menkopolhukam), Mahfud MD as quoted by BBC Indonesia, May 18, 2022.

The LGBT narrative continues to be a hot topic everywhere. However, the heated tension has not subsided, the British Embassy in Indonesia appeared as it heated up the situation on May 19, 2022. The British Embassy uploaded the LGBT rainbow flag.

The post was also accompanied by a message that was considered provocative. The British argued that LGBT rights are fundamental human rights. LGBT people should be free to express themselves without fear of violence and discrimination.

The statement was like adding oil to the fire. The British embassy's social media activity became a polemic and received attention from various parties on May 21, 2022. The British embassy was the target of criticism and condemnation.

Many have asked the British Embassy not to provoke. The most severe criticism came from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were disappointed and considered the British Embassy to be insensitive to the situation of the majority of people who strongly reject LGBT.

"This action, accompanied by publishing it through the official social media account of the British Embassy (Instagram @ukinindonesia), is very insensitive and creates polemics among the Indonesian people," said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah as quoted by CNN Indonesia, May 21, 2022.