LGBTQI Rights crucified in Indonesia? New Penal Code anti missio Dei?

Abstract

Literature continues to document the ways in which Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQI) communities continue to grapple with or face unprecedented abuse in many nations of the world. Members of LGBTQI groups are reported to face discrimination and legal obstacles in countries like Indonesia, since its socio-cultural norms acquiescently discourage homosexuality or gender transitioning in any form. Furthermore, recent amendments to Indonesia's Penal Code, which contain provisions that may endanger the lives and safety of LGBTQI communities in unprecedented ways, have shown that such norms, if relentlessly upheld, strongly influences the direction of public policy. In light of such harmful provisions, one could argue that the rights of the LGBTQI community in Indonesia are being slowly but agonizingly crucified, perhaps analogous to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The primary proponents of this symbolic crucifixion, who conceal their intentions behind legislative modifications, seem to be politically motivated Islamic religious conservatives who publicly oppose LGBTQI rights. In light of these occurrences, this paper employs the Missio Politica framework and literature reviews to investigate the new Indonesian Penal Code and assess whether or not it violates the internationally acknowledged rights of the LGBTQI community. Drawing from literary works, it uses the term "crucifixion" in a metaphorical manner to emphasize the radical ways in which Islamic conservatism has violated LGBTQI rights over the years, and how these violations are now being formalized through Indonesia's new penal code. To be clear, this paper's accusations are not directed against Islamic teachings per se, but rather against intolerant Islamic conservatives who view LGBTQI preferences as ‘crucifiable’ sin and advocate for change of state laws to reflect such harmful sentiments. Overall, it is argued that certain sections of the recently enacted Indonesian Penal Code not only offend the LGBTQI community, but also undermine the redemptive goals of missio Dei in that country while having global contagion effects. The scope of this paper requires more research as not as much has been done to assess how certain recently enacted provisions of the Indonesian Penal Code impact LGBTQI rights in the context of fulfilling the redemptive goals of the missio Dei.