Gay Party Video Went Viral, Sub-District Head Makes Sure No LGBT In Bogor City

LBGT illustration (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Viral video of a gay party in the city of Bogor. The sub-district confirmed that the Valentine celebration party at one of the cafes did not contain any elements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)

In the 28-second video, you can see two teenage boys, whose hands are joined together using red toy handcuffs, which provokes the interpretation as a gay couple.

The sub-district head of Tanah Sareal, Bogor City, Sahib Khan, said he had asked for clarification from cafe managers and the party on Saturday 11 February was an event to celebrate affection.

"According to the cafe management, they are holding events to welcome Valentine's Day, but not specifically for LGBT events. So it's a general event," Sahib told Voi.id, Friday, February 17.

According to Sahib, the management and owner are very cooperative and convey what is. Even the management and owner have realized that, in the future, the cafe will carry out tighter supervision.

Sahib emphasized that it was his duty as a regional apparatus to maintain the conduciveness and existence of cafes operating in his area.

Even though he has helped working residents in improving the economy, according to him, business actors must still maintain the comfort of local residents.

"If the allegations reported are true, of course, we have to give sanctions, don't let it appear as if there is neglect because if it comes to that it will be a "wild ball" which will have a huge impact," he explained.

Sahib appealed to business actors such as cafes and restaurants to be more cooperative in maintaining the comfort of local residents, especially if holding a crowded event, to coordinate in advance with regional apparatus.

Sahib admitted, his party often received reports regarding cafe or restaurant operating hours that exceeded the deadline. For example, operating until 10 at night, it turns out late at night plus accompanied by live music, and so on.

This, he continued, is often complained because it disturbs the comfort of the surrounding community.

"For cafe and restaurant entrepreneurs, respect local residents, don't just take economic profits, but residents' convenience, parking, that is often a problem and must be paid attention to," he said.

Meanwhile, Irvan as the manager of the cafe denied allegations that the cafe he manages is holding events that facilitate gays and LGBT.

"The mixed news on social media is not true, we have never supported the LGBT community, let alone held special events for them," argued Irvan.

Irvan admitted, the cafe did indeed hold an event but it was general in nature, and his party could not sort the guests who came to the cafe one by one.

"We only held an event on February 11, 2023, a normal event in general. We also never know if there are customers who have that background. Of course, we can't sort it out," he explained.

Irvan also regretted the virality of the video. It even became a report in one of the online media without prior confirmation.

"We regret that the video went viral, moreover there was no confirmation from us either. Once again, we emphasize that we have never supported the LGBT community. There are events, but they are not specific to a particular community. So it's just a normal event," he said.

Irvan admitted that the virality of the video had an impact on his business, but his party did not yet have a plan for whether to take legal action or not.

"In the future, we will evaluate, and be more selective towards customers and events that will be held next. We will discuss legal steps later with the owner and other management," said Irvan.