56 Men Arrested at ‘Gay Sex Party’ in Jakarta, Three Face 15 Years in Prison

JAKARTA — Indonesian police arrested 56 men at a "gay sex party" in South Jakarta on Saturday. Three of those arrested are facing up to 15 years in prison for violating pornography laws, according to police spokesperson Ade Ary Syam Indradi.

While homosexuality is not illegal in most of Indonesia, it remains a taboo in the predominantly Muslim nation. Police discovered condoms and HIV medication at the party, and the three suspects are accused of facilitating “pornography” services.

Activists have criticized the misuse of anti-pornography laws, with previous raids in 2017 highlighting the growing hostility towards the gay community. A 2020 Pew Research survey revealed that 80% of Indonesians believe homosexuality should not be accepted by society.