Indonesia introduces anti-LGBTIQ+ doctrines in schools and universities
Indonesia will introduce anti-LGBTIQ+ doctrines in schools and universities. The government views sexual diversity as a threat to religious values and national security.
Indonesia's government announced a new educational plan recently. This plan introduces anti-LGBTIQ+ doctrines in schools and universities. Authorities want to stop what they call the "spread" of homosexuality.
The government considers sexual diversity a serious threat. It also views it as dangerous to the country's religious values. Officials also claim it affects national security. Therefore, they decided to act through education.
The measure will affect millions of students nationwide. Young people will receive content rejecting LGBTIQ+ identity. This will happen in both public schools and universities.
Human rights organizations have harshly criticized this initiative. They say it endangers the mental health of LGBTIQ+ youth. They also warn it will increase discrimination and violence against this community.
Indonesia is the world's country with the largest Muslim population. Religion plays an important role in public life. In recent years, conditions for LGBTIQ+ people have worsened significantly. Several states have already approved laws criminalizing same-sex relationships.
In 2022, Indonesia approved a new penal code. That code penalizes sexual relations outside marriage. Many experts say it also indirectly affects same-sex couples. Now, this new educational strategy makes things even worse.
Local activists are calling for urgent international support. They denounce that the State is using schools to promote hatred. They note that LGBTIQ+ students already suffer harassment and exclusion. This new policy will make their situation even more difficult.
The international community is watching these changes with concern. Several human rights organizations have asked the Indonesian government to reconsider the measure. So far, authorities have not backed down. Education thus becomes a new battleground for LGBTIQ+ rights in Asia.