LGBT in TNI Not New News, Says DPR Defense Commission

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Member of the Defense Commission of the House of Representatives (DPR) TB. Hasanuddin said news about the presence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual/Transgender (LGBT) groups in the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the police was not new.

The PDIP politician argued the LGBT phenomenon among society was real and still considered as a polemic that attracted public discussions—besides being a sensitive issue in the military.

“The best solution must be found. This is the task and the responsibility of TNI leaders,” said Hasanuddin in a written statement on Friday, October 16.

According to Hasanuddin, the military's main duty and fuction called for group cooperation that required a solid bond and high spirit, especially for those stationed in remote areas, forests, or combat ships that entailed homogeneity of traits and characters to maintain cohesion and togetherness during duties.

“I cannot imagine if in that small group an LGBT group exists, which can disturb homogeneity. So LGBT is not suitable and forbidden in the military,” Hasanuddin remarked.

He mentioned that several countries, including France, applied strict rules and banned LGBT groups from their armies. “As far as I know, the TNI implements a similar regulation. It has been a serious concern since the selection process,” he said.

Read: Indonesian Military Won't Tolerate LGBT Among Members, Imposes Heavy Sanctions

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI