Indonesia: Police arrest 9 men after raiding 'gay party'

The Jakarta Metro Police arrested nine men after raiding a “gay party” in Kuningan, South Jakarta last weekend in the latest intervention of LGBT gatherings performed by authorities in Indonesia.

The party, which was reportedly promoted as a “gathering of men to promote independence” through social media, was held at an apartment building in the area. Participants had to pay a registration fee ranging from IDR150,000 to IDR 300,000 (~US$10 to US$20).

Based on promotional material that has circulated widely since, the event prohibited drugs, weapons, and mandated a dress code that includes wearing red and white, presumably in honor of Indonesia’s recent independence day on Aug. 17.

Police apprehended at least 56 people at the apartment in the early hours of Saturday, nine of whom have been identified as the event organizers.

As homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia with the exception of sharia law-enforcing Aceh, the nine men were charged with facilitating or funding an immoral activity under Indonesia’s vague anti-pornography law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Authorities said each of the suspects had different roles in the party — some were in charge of picking up guests, some handled security, while others ensured the event ran smoothly. One of the suspects, identified by his initials TRF, headed the organizing committee.  Read more via Coconuts Jakarta