West Java DPRD Prepares Bylaw to Protect Families from Sexual Deviance

The West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) will prepare a draft regional regulation (Raperda) concerning the protection of society and families from deviant sexual orientation and behaviour. This is deemed necessary given the increasing number of such cases in the province. Deputy Chair of Commission V of the West Java DPRD, Siti Muntamah, explained that her party is prioritising the discussion of the draft bylaw. In addition to the growing and worrying social and health issues, the formation of this bylaw is also based on broad aspirations conveyed by various community elements who have approached the DPRD. “From academics, practitioners, community organisations, foundations, to communities across West Java, all agree that West Java needs a firm legal umbrella to address this issue. So this year, God willing, the West Java DPRD will prioritise it,” she stated in Bandung on Tuesday. According to her, there is currently a moral shift and a number of concerning cases of deviant sexual behaviour, some of which have even gone viral and become public spotlights. She cited several prominent cases that occurred in the region, such as the raid on a same-sex party in Karawang, intersex phenomena, and spouse-swapping practices which are considered highly dangerous to social life and public health. Meanwhile, data from the Health Office shows a significant spike in cases of infectious diseases. In Bandung City, HIV screening facilities at community health centres have shown an increase in HIV cases as well as sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis. This condition, Siti said, serves as a warning that demands a comprehensive policy from the regional government. Through the presence of this community and family protection bylaw, she hopes to strengthen family resilience. “As well as provide legal protection certainty for the wider community from the threat of deviant sexual orientation and behaviour,” she concluded.