House Member Bahtra on LGBTQ: Our Country Does Not Recognise It

Wakil Ketua Komisi II DPR RI Bahtra Banong has responded to the classification of LGBTQ as a non-military threat in Indonesia. He stressed that the country does not recognise LGBTQ. “I think it is good (LGBTQ being considered a non-military threat) and indeed our country does not recognise that,” Bahtra told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday (7/7/2026). The Gerindra Party politician was responding to questions regarding Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 111 of 2025, which designates LGBTQ as one of the non-military threats and has been widely discussed on social media. Bahtra stated that his party supports the central government’s move. He backed the Perpres that declares LGBTQ a non-military threat. “The President has conveyed it firmly, and we must support what the President has stated, that it is part of a threat to our defence. So we support the central government,” he said. Regarding the discourse on criminalising LGBTQ, Bahtra said an in-depth study is necessary. He emphasised that LGBT is not permitted in Indonesia. “Of course, there must be further, more in-depth studies. But what is certain is that in our country it is not yet allowed, so I think if there are to be further criminal penalties, there will perhaps be a more in-depth study later,” he said.