This is now getting worse. Last week, there were large state-sanctioned demonstrations of hatred and fear towards Indonesia’s vilified LGBT minority. The Jakarta satellite city of Bogor and the West Sumatran city of Payakumbuh saw protests. Then Sunday saw another massive protest in the West Sumatran capital of Padang, led by the city’s own mayor.
Mahyeldi Ansharullah, the mayor of Padang in West Sumatra, headed the 2km walk through the city, which was called the “Long March Action to Reject LGBT in West Sumatra and Declaration of Sin-Free Padang."
“To the perpetrators of sin, let them repent and those who protect them immediately be aware because they will face opposition from all parties and communities in Padang as well as security forces,” said Mahyeldi, reports state-run news agency Antara.
The country is updating its criminal code, which looks set to ban same-sex sexual activity throughout the country.