Yogyakarta Pro-LGBT Protesters Terrorized via Text Message

TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Hundreds of pro-democratic activists in Yogyakarta received threats from intolerant groups during their peaceful rally on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. The threats were made before and during the rally.

Before they hold the peaceful rally, a threat message attempted to disband the rally had been circulating around. The message was allegedly made by Front Ukhuwah Islamiyah. The broadcast message calls for documentation of figureheads and members of the rally, to record of the type of vehicle being used and its license plate, and to follow the activists to their private residence. “We will hunt whoever is responsible for the [pro-] LGBT rally,” says the message.

“We received information on a [possible] sweeping from an intolerant group,” said Public Relation Officer of Pro-Demokrasi, Ani, Tuesday, February 23, 2016. Despite the threats, Yogyakarta pro-democracy activists proceeded to hold the rally to support the rights of LGBT community.

Ani said that the state has failed to provide a sense of security from rampant intelorant groups. They held a rally to protest the prevalent intolerance and violance. The activists did not only defend the rights of LGBT community, but also protested the violence against farmers who are rejecting Airport project in Kulon Progo District.

Ani noted that since 2014, there had been 20ish cases of intolerance and violence against pro-human rights civil society. Unfortunately, law enforcement has failed to provide any sense of security. “We are against anti-LGBT, racist, facist and repressive movements,” she said.

The 150 activists were rallying peacefully from afternoon to dusk. They stayed at the location until evening. Initially, they planned to hold rally at Tugu. However, police prohibited them due to security reasons as Tugu had been guarded by hundreds of people from Forum Ukhuwah Islamiyah (FUI) youth who are against the rally.

Hundreds of people from FUI had been guarding Tugu, Titik Nol and Abu Bakar Ali parking lot from afternoon to dusk. Some of them were holding green flags while riding motorcycles on the road. They highly rejected LGBT through banners.

When being confirmed, Head of Community Relations of FUI youth, Fuad Andreago, said the broadcast message was made by troops (laskar) who rejected LGBT. “The broadcast (message) from the laskar is normal. We feel bothered because they have challenged [us] by holding counter-protest,” Fuad said.

SHINTA MAHARANI