Every public policy is born from the hope of addressing issues that\ndevelop within society. However, a regulation is not only required to\nhave a strong legal foundation but must also deliver tangible benefits.\nThis perspective is appropriate for examining the discussion surrounding\nthe Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Anti-LGBT in West Java. The\nemerging debate shows that the public is not only questioning the\ncontent of the regulation but also its effectiveness in resolving the\nissues that prompted its creation.<\/p>\n
The Provincial Government of West Java, together with the Regional\nPeople\u2019s Representative Council (DPRD), is drafting a regulation that\nprohibits LGBT practices. Deputy Governor of West Java, Erwan Setiawan,\nstated that the regulation is expected to provide a firmer legal basis\nfor maintaining social order in the region. This statement was published\nin an online media outlet on 10 July 2026.<\/p>\n
This policy reflects the government\u2019s attention to the aspirations of\na segment of society that desires clearer rules. On the other hand, the\nformation of a regional regulation must be viewed as part of a public\npolicy process that must meet the principles of legal certainty,\nbenefit, and consistent applicability. A regulation is judged not only\nby the firmness of its formulation but also by its ability to provide\nmeasurable solutions.<\/p>\n
A constitutional law expert once emphasised that the quality of a\nregulation is determined by the appropriateness of its content, the\nauthority of its framers, and the certainty of its implementation. A\ngood regulation must have a clear objective, not give rise to multiple\ninterpretations, and be effectively enforceable. This view serves as a\nreminder that lawmaking is not merely about producing new norms but\nabout creating an instrument that genuinely meets the needs of the\ncommunity.<\/p>\n
Sociological studies indicate that human behaviour is influenced by\nmany factors. The family environment, education, digital media, social\ninteractions, psychological conditions, and cultural changes are all\ninterconnected in shaping a person\u2019s behaviour. Therefore, a legal\napproach serves as a guide but cannot replace the functions of education\nand social guidance. A regulation that stands alone, without being\nsupported by efforts to build a healthy environment, risks only\naddressing the visible impacts while the underlying causal factors\ncontinue to develop.<\/p>\n
This serves as a point of collective reflection. Society needs\npolicies that do not stop at the aspect of prohibition but also\nstrengthen preventive measures. Character education from an early age,\nstrengthening the function of the family, improving digital literacy,\npsychological support, and easily accessible consultation spaces are\nimportant parts of the effort to build social resilience. A\ncomprehensive approach is more likely to produce sustainable change than\nan approach that relies solely on legal instruments.<\/p>\n
Islamic values provide a moral foundation that aligns with these\nefforts. The Qur\u2019an teaches the importance of safeguarding personal,\nfamily, and community honour. The story of the people of Prophet Lut,\ncontained in Surah Al-A\u2019raf verses 80\u201384, serves as a lesson about the\nimportance of maintaining the moral boundaries set by Allah SWT. On the\nother hand, Allah SWT also commands that da\u2019wah be carried out with\nwisdom and good counsel, as stated in Surah An-Nahl verse 125. This\nshows that conveying religious values cannot be separated from wisdom,\ndialogue, and guidance.<\/p>\n
Prophet Muhammad SAW provided an example through the formation of a\nsociety with noble character by implementing comprehensive Islamic\nSharia in all aspects of life. He said, \u2018Indeed, I was sent to perfect\nnoble character.\u2019 (HR Ahmad). Faith-based education, exemplary conduct\nwithin the family, and concern for others form an inseparable foundation\nfor building a good society. In Islamic history, community development\nhas always taken place through the application of Islam in life, thereby\nsimultaneously strengthening character, knowledge, and social\nresponsibility.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the discussion of the West Java Anti-LGBT Draft Bylaw can\nbe a momentum to strengthen the quality of public policy. Regulation has\nan important function as an enforcer of norms, but its effectiveness\nwill be greater if accompanied by continuous guidance. Synergy between\nthe government, families, educational institutions, religious leaders,\nand the community is key so that policy objectives do not stop at the\nadministrative aspect but truly create a healthier environment by\npromoting good and preventing evil, embodying an Islamic personality,\nand being oriented towards the common good. Within this framework,\nevaluation of every policy must be continuously carried out as a form of\nconcern so that the law is not only present as a rule but also as a\nmeans to build a better community life.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/west-javas-anti-lgbt-draft-bylaw-and-the-quest-for-social-resilience-1784645607", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }