TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah on Monday said the Ministry plans to summon British Ambassador to Indonesia Owen Jenkins after the British Embassy flew the LGBT+ flag a couple of days prior.

To Tempo, the spokesperson said the summoning will not be done by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, but “Will see the AMEROP directorate general summon the British Ambassador.”

The British Embassy in Jakarta in its Instagram profile @ukinindonesia posted the image with a caption explaining that it is in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Moreover, in its social media post, the British Embassy asserted its position in the matter and called for fair treatment, urging people to be able to express themselves without fear of violence or discrimination.

“The UK holds that LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights. Love is precious. Everyone, everywhere, should be free to love who they love and express themselves without fear of violence or discrimination. They should not have to suffer shame or guilt just for being who they are,” the embassy’s social media caption reads.

However, Teuku Faizasyah argues that the British Embassy posting the LGBT+ flag in its social media post as being insensitive and potentially sparking polemic amidst the Indonesian society.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds foreign representatives to be able to maintain and respect the sensitivity of cultural values, religion, and beliefs prevailing in Indonesia," said Faizasyah.

Tempo reached out via Whatsapp to the British Embassy’s spokesperson John M. Nickell on Monday but has yet to receive a reply.

DANIEL AHMAD

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