Indonesia is still considered as discriminating against minority groups, one of them are Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender (LGBT) group. This is indicated by the inconsistence in giving recognition and protection to these groups. "The state does not indicate protection and recognition toward the group with significantly different sexual orientation and identity," said Nusyahbani Katjasungkana, Wednesday (11/8) during a press conference at the Center for Population and Policy Studies UGM.
As we all know, the State has actually legally guaranteed human rights through amendments of the UUD 1945 (State Constitution) in form of law no. 39 year 1999. The State has also already ratified various international human rights instruments. "The government firmly stated that the LGBT group is one group that should be protected by the State. Yet these groups still get a variety of intimidations by fundamentalist groups on behalf of a religion," she explained.
The issue of sexuality, according to Nusyahbani, always confronted with religious fundamentalism and patriarchal culture that are still strong in society. Various groups based on religious fundamentalism often intimidate and commit an act of violence by basing their argument on morality. "This kind of fundamentalism cause public fear. Groups who did not oppose the LGBT movement become reluctant to support these groups," she explained.
Prof. Muhajir Darwin, head of the Center, said that LGBT issues are not solely related to the issue of legality, but rather a social reality that should be discussed together. Various dialogue and research on sexuality issues are needed to minimize the various biases that exist and can influence the policy. "The findings and results are expected to be socialized so eventually those can be heard by policy makers," he hoped.
Meanwhile Hanan Sabea, researcher at Sephis in the Netherlands (south to south exchange program for research in the history of development,) revealed the phenomenon of discrimination that occurred in Indonesia and Egypt are not much different. LGBT groups in Egypt have the same treatment as in Indonesia. "People are not getting full protection from the government. They often receive intimidation of religious fundamentalist groups that perpetrate acts of terror that disturb the society, " he said.
Previously, in three days (9-11 August) a dialog of international policy is taking place in the Center entitled Bridging the Gaps of Sexuality and Sexual Rights Advocacy Research. These activities bring together 45 researchers, grassroots activists, and activists in the field of sexuality policy changes from Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Syria, Philippines, Brazil, Holland and Indonesia.
The meeting aims to disseminate the results of the Sephis research program about sexuality and modernity in the South. It also discusses how to implement Yogyakarta Principles in different socio-cultural context in many countries.