Bandung City Council Deliberates Draft Regulation on Prevention of Risky Sexual Behaviour, Ensuring Humanitarian Approach

The Bandung City Council’s Special Committee 14 is deliberating a draft local regulation on prevention and control of risky sexual behaviour and sexual deviations, with a strong emphasis on maintaining humanitarian values. Committee member Yoel Yosafat affirmed that the regulation must remain within appropriate boundaries, focusing on health protection rather than discrimination against specific groups.

“What we mean by staying within bounds is maintaining focus on health protection and not targeting any particular group,” said Yosafat.

According to him, the committee initially concentrated discussions on strengthening health protection, preventing sexually transmitted infections, and addressing sexual violence, which has become increasingly common. However, differences of opinion have emerged within the committee as the process has evolved.

“Initially we wanted to strengthen health protection and reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infections. During the process, there were proposals to expand the regulation’s scope. This subsequently caused disagreement,” he explained.

Yosafat emphasised that the regulation must not violate human rights principles or be open to legal challenge. He cautioned that any resulting regulation must have strong legal foundations and be non-discriminatory.

“We do not wish to persecute anyone. The regulation concerns health matters and risky behaviour. We do not want this regulation to become problematic and be challenged at the Constitutional Court,” he insisted.

He also acknowledged that currently there is no specific central-level regulation addressing sexual orientation. Therefore, the most rational approach is through public health measures.

Even in Jakarta and Bali, cities considered to have more liberal lifestyles, regulations do not specifically address sexual orientation issues. “In Jakarta and Bali, the focus remains on sexual health management,” he noted.

Should Bandung wish to address sexual orientation matters, greater caution is necessary, as this would be the first such regulation in Indonesia. As a city with both religious character and metropolitan status, Bandung must exercise wisdom in formulating such rules.

“We agree on preventing risky behaviour, but not on hating the people involved. The principle must remain humanistic,” he concluded.