Reynhard Sinaga's Case Bumps Into LGBT Issues In Indonesia

Front page of the Daily Mail newspaper headline (Twitter @wisnu_prasetya)

JAKARTA - 'Don't judge a book by its cover' may be a lesson taken from the Reynhard Sinaga case. How not, Reynhard has been proven to have raped as many as 195 young men.

Even though on a daily basis, Reynhard was known as a good and religious man. However, this image has shifted drastically, now Reynhard is known as a 'lecherous individual'.

Even the Manchester police are still having trouble finding victims of Reynhard Sinaga's molestation. This is because most of the victims that Reynhard raped were under the influence of drugs. So you don't realize this obscene action.

Even if they are aware that they have been harassed, these victims are reluctant to report to the authorities because they feel ashamed of being harassed. Not to mention the psychological problems that the victims have to face.

The Police Authority in Manchester even set up a special service unit for victims of the Reynhard Sinaga case. They can contact related institutions and will be given psychological counseling regarding what happened.

If you have been affected by the Reynhard Sinaga case, or believe that you may have been a victim of Reynhard Sinaga, support from specialist agencies is available. pic.twitter.com/AsyvyK89jG

- Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) January 6, 2020

The disclosure of the biggest case in British history has certainly disturbed the minds of the Indonesian people. Because instead of bringing achievements, Reynhard actually raised the name of Indonesia through crimes and sexual disorders.

In addition, the Reynhard Sinaga case also raised anti-LGBT or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in Indonesia. Given the victims who are mostly heterosexual men in Manchester, England. This certainly makes LGBT people again considered as a group of mentally ill people.

Quoted from The Guardian, Reynhard also never hid his sexual disorientation during his stay in Manchester. Reynhard even often hangs out on Canal Street and Village Gay.

During the trial, Raynhard also said that he used gay dating apps such as Grindr and Hornet. Reynhard's friends also said that they had no knowledge of his crimes. But some of her friends claim to have heard stories depicting "transforming" heterosexual men.

Reynhard often brags to his friends about his obscene acts. Moreover, if the victim it carries is a heterosexual man.

Reynhard Sinaga's news on the front pages of British newspapers today .. 🤢🤬 pic.twitter.com/oDIIUTlgiM

- Wisnu Prasetya Utomo (@wisnu_prasetya) January 6, 2020

Write a Sexual Orientation Journal

Long before this case was exposed to the public. Reynhard Sinaga has indeed paid great attention to LGBT. He had written his scientific journal entitled 'Sexuality and Everyday Transnationalism in South Asian Gay and Bisexual Men in Manchester' for doctoral purposes at the University of Leeds, in 2012.

In 2014, Reynhard published his review of a book entitled 'Queer migration politics: activist rhetoric and coalitional possibilities' written by American author Karma R. Chavez. The book describes immigration rights and social justice for queer groups or those who are not heterosexual.

bro i look up the reynhard sinaga dude in internet and found his researchgate, also this one (i guess he did bring the lgbtq + esp gay issue to a conference) he advocated the queer community but his behavior ......... ... 💀 pic.twitter.com/8FL1qaQHEO

- 🍑🌺 (@rosiercheek) January 6, 2020

"Chavez successfully tried to break through perceptions by combining discussions about immigration rights, queer rights, and social justice. He examines the moments of coalition and coalition politics used by activists when articulating shared concerns between queer and migration politics," wrote Reynhard. in his review.

Judging from the review written by Reynhard, he agrees with Chavez's opinion that LGBT people experience oppression, even if their suffering increases if the group is also an immigrant. Reynhard also shared the same idea that immigration and queer politics should coalesce.

Igniting the anti-LGBT Wave in Indonesia

LGBT is the most sensitive issue in Indonesia. This is because LGBT are considered a group that violates religious and social boundaries. LGBT behavior is often considered deviant, damaging the future of the nation's children. Not only religious and social, LGBT is also considered to have a bad impact on health.

This is the danger of #LGBT, sadistic and disgusting. It is time for the world to fight against this abnormal human. If it can't be returned to normal, the punishment for castration is more appropriate. https://t.co/YR9b35ORaS

- Netizen VIP (@VIPNetizen) January 7, 2020

Reynhard's rape case served as justification for the anti-LGBT community. Many people, especially netizens, say openly that the crimes committed by Reynhard are evidence of the crimes of LGBT people. Unfortunately, they have put aside Reynhard's main problem, namely the act of rape.

JGN LOVE FOR LGBT TEMPA IN THIS COUNTRY. MENTAL ILLNESS..

- Epic (@adr_gon) January 6, 2020

However, there are still many Indonesian netizens who are wise and more subjective about the Reynhard Sinaga case. Many have begun to realize that rape does not only target female victims, because men can also be targets.

Reynhard's case can actually open people's eyes if the victim-blaming culture of rape victims must be eradicated. Seeing the victims of Reynhard's rape psychologically disturbed, numb to live life, to commit suicide.