TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Army (TNI) has stated that it will not tolerate the presence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual/Transgender (LGBT) groups in their corps.

"The TNI imposes firm sanctions against members of the military proven to have violated decency, including LGBT," TNI Information Center chief, Col. Sus Aidil, said in a written statement, Thursday, October 15.

Aidil said the TNI Commander had issued telegrams in 2009 and 2019 prohibiting all military personnel from taking part in LGBT relationships. "It is against military discipline, and a serious violation that must not occur within the TNI," Aidil said.

He said that the legal process would be strictly enforced upon individuals violating the rule, and that they can be dismissed from the TNI through a court military procedure.

Aidil said that Law no.34/2004 on the TNI stipulates that military personnel will be dishonorably discharged if proven to have conducted acts that can jeopardize the discipline of TNI soldiers.

Reports that there are LGBT groups within the TNI, came from Maj. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Burhan Dahlan, head of the Military Chamber of the Supreme Court. Dahlan said he was asked to have a discussion with the Army Headquarters following reports that there is a "worrying development of LGBT within the TNI."

"I was told that there is a group of LGBT with TNI-Polri members, led by a sergeant. Some of the members are lieutenant colonel. This is unique, but it is true," said Burhan.

Read: TNI Vows Firm Actions Against Soldiers Linked to LGBT

Egi Adyatama