Coordinating Minister Yusril: LGBT Is a Non-Military Threat to the State

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas), Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has affirmed that the government categorises the issue of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) as a form of non-military threat. This stance is in line with a presidential decision concerning national defence and security matters. “LGBT is a non-military threat,” Yusril stated on Wednesday. He explained that threats to the state are divided into two categories: military and non-military. LGBT is positioned as a non-military threat because it has the potential to disrupt national integrity, both now and in the future. While acknowledging that this policy may provoke debate, particularly from human rights advocates and liberal groups, Yusril reminded that Indonesia is a democracy where differences of opinion are normal. However, he stressed that the presidential decision must be respected as a shared commitment to maintaining national integrity. Furthermore, Yusril highlighted Indonesia’s identity as a religious nation founded on Pancasila. The government believes that allowing the spread of LGBT to persist, especially if it were to be granted legal recognition such as same-sex marriage, would have detrimental effects on the nation.