JAKARTA – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), a leading Islamic clerical body in Indonesia, has announced that issues pertaining to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) communities will be a central strategic agenda for the 8th Indonesian Islamic Congress (KUII VIII), scheduled to take place in Jakarta from July 24-26, 2026. This significant move underscores MUI’s deepening concern over the phenomenon and its intent to proactively shape national policy. Concurrently, the Council is actively preparing an academic manuscript as the foundational step for drafting a comprehensive Bill (RUU) aimed at the prevention and handling of LGBT issues, signaling a determined push for legislative action.
This initiative follows a recent engagement where leaders of the MUI conveyed their strategic plans to Republika’s Editor-in-Chief, Andi Muhyiddin, during a silaturahim (friendly visit) to the Republika office in Tebet, South Jakarta, on Friday, July 17, 2026. The discussions highlighted MUI’s unwavering commitment to addressing what it perceives as a growing societal challenge that requires serious attention and intervention. The proposed RUU, once formalized, is expected to be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR RI) for consideration, potentially paving the way for new legislation that could significantly impact the rights and status of LGBT individuals in the predominantly Muslim-majority nation.
Historical Context and MUI’s Mandate
The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) holds a crucial position in Indonesian society as the highest clerical body, responsible for issuing fatwas (religious edicts) and providing guidance on Islamic matters to the government and the public. Established in 1975, MUI’s role has expanded beyond purely religious affairs to encompass social, moral, and political issues, often acting as a moral compass for the nation. Its pronouncements carry substantial weight, influencing public opinion and government policy, particularly on matters perceived to touch upon Islamic morality and national values.
Historically, MUI has adopted a conservative stance on LGBT issues, consistently affirming that homosexual and transgender behaviors are contrary to Islamic teachings and national values. Past fatwas and statements have condemned LGBT practices, viewing them as deviant and harmful to the moral fabric of society. For instance, in 2014, MUI issued a fatwa declaring same-sex relations and sex changes to be haram (forbidden) in Islam. This consistent position forms the backdrop for the current strategic agenda, indicating a continuity in MUI’s efforts to curb the perceived spread of LGBT phenomena.
Indonesia, despite its constitutional secularism and enshrined human rights, remains a deeply conservative society where religious values, particularly Islamic ones, heavily influence public discourse and social norms. While there are no specific national laws criminalizing homosexuality, LGBT individuals often face discrimination, social stigma, and occasionally violence. Existing laws, such as those concerning public indecency or blasphemy, have sometimes been invoked to target LGBT individuals, creating a climate of fear and marginalization. MUI’s push for a dedicated RUU could significantly amplify these challenges, potentially institutionalizing discrimination through legal frameworks.
The 8th Indonesian Islamic Congress: A Platform for Policy Direction
The Indonesian Islamic Congress (KUII) is a prestigious national gathering organized periodically by MUI, bringing together prominent ulemas, Islamic scholars, community leaders, and government officials from across Indonesia. It serves as a vital platform for deliberating on critical national and global issues from an Islamic perspective, formulating recommendations, and charting strategic directions for the Muslim community and the nation as a whole. Past congresses have addressed a wide range of topics, including economic development, interfaith harmony, education, and social justice.
The decision to elevate LGBT issues to a "strategic agenda" for KUII VIII signifies the urgency and importance MUI attaches to this matter. By placing it at the forefront of discussions, MUI aims to garner widespread support from diverse Islamic factions and stakeholders, consolidating a unified stance that can then be presented to the government as a collective aspiration of the Indonesian Muslim community. The congress is expected to feature intensive discussions, scholarly presentations, and potentially workshops focused on understanding the "root causes" of LGBT phenomena, developing "prevention" strategies, and outlining "rehabilitation" or "handling" mechanisms. Resolutions emerging from KUII VIII are likely to serve as a foundational document for MUI’s advocacy efforts, particularly regarding the proposed RUU.
Initiating Legislative Action: The Proposed RUU
The most concrete manifestation of MUI’s strategic agenda is the initiation of an academic manuscript for a Rancangan Undang-Undang (RUU), or Draft Bill, concerning the prevention and handling of LGBT. Secretary-General of MUI, Buya Amirsyah Tambunan, articulated the severe concerns driving this legislative push. "This issue, which is very sensitive, very ‘sexy,’ namely this LGBT matter, has become extremely concerning," Amirsyah stated during the visit to Republika. "Concerning why? Because if this is not anticipated, not prevented, this country will destroy our generations and our nation’s society."
His strong remarks underscore MUI’s perception of LGBT as an existential threat to Indonesia’s moral and social fabric. The concept of "prevention and handling" suggests a multi-pronged approach that could include:
- Educational Initiatives: Promoting traditional family values and gender roles in schools and public campaigns.
- Restrictions on Public Expression: Limiting or banning public displays, advocacy, or media content related to LGBT.
- "Rehabilitation" or "Correctional" Programs: Potentially coercive measures aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity, often referred to as "conversion therapy," which are widely condemned by international medical and human rights organizations.
- Legal Sanctions: While not explicitly stated as criminalization of identity, the "handling" aspect could involve legal frameworks to penalize actions or behaviors deemed to promote or engage in LGBT practices.
The process of drafting legislation in Indonesia typically begins with an academic manuscript (naskah akademik), which provides the theoretical, sociological, and legal basis for the proposed law. Once this manuscript is completed by MUI, it will be submitted to the DPR RI, the national legislature. At the DPR, the proposal would then undergo review, potentially be sponsored by a faction or commission, and if approved, proceed through various stages of deliberation, public consultation, and voting before it can be enacted into law. The submission of such a document from a respected body like MUI would undoubtedly trigger a significant legislative debate and public discourse.
Anticipated Reactions and Stakeholder Perspectives
The MUI’s strategic move is expected to elicit strong reactions from various segments of society, both domestically and internationally.
- Human Rights Organizations: Local and international human rights groups are almost certain to voice strong opposition. They would likely argue that such a bill would violate fundamental human rights principles, including non-discrimination, freedom of expression, privacy, and bodily autonomy, as enshrined in Indonesia’s constitution and international human rights conventions that Indonesia has ratified. Concerns would focus on the potential for increased discrimination, violence, and marginalization of LGBT individuals, as well as the legitimization of harmful practices like conversion therapy.
- LGBTQ+ Community and Advocates: Members of the LGBT community and their allies in Indonesia would likely face heightened anxiety and fear. They would view the proposed RUU as a direct threat to their safety, dignity, and ability to live freely. Advocacy groups would intensify their efforts to educate the public, lobby lawmakers, and highlight the plight of LGBT individuals who already face significant challenges. They would emphasize the need for protection and inclusion, not further criminalization or "correction."
- Government and DPR: The reception within the government and the DPR would likely be mixed but with a leaning towards conservatism. Given the strong influence of religious sentiment in Indonesian politics, many political factions might be inclined to support the MUI’s initiative to avoid alienating a significant portion of the electorate. However, some more progressive lawmakers or those concerned with Indonesia’s international image might raise questions about the implications for human rights and pluralism. The process would likely involve intense lobbying from both proponents and opponents.
- Other Religious and Civil Society Groups: While major Islamic organizations generally align with MUI on moral issues, some moderate Islamic scholars or interfaith dialogue groups might advocate for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing compassion and dialogue over punitive measures. Similarly, secular civil society organizations might join human rights groups in opposing the bill, citing concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms and pluralism.
- International Community: Indonesia’s image as a moderate Muslim-majority democracy could be affected. International bodies, foreign governments, and human rights watchdogs would likely monitor the legislative process closely, potentially issuing statements or expressing concerns about the implications for human rights in Indonesia. This could have diplomatic and economic ramifications for Indonesia.
Broader Impact and Implications
The MUI’s initiative to tackle LGBT issues through a strategic congress agenda and a proposed draft bill carries significant broader implications for Indonesian society:
- Social Cohesion and Minority Rights: The legislative push could exacerbate social divisions, further marginalizing LGBT individuals and fostering a climate of intolerance. It challenges Indonesia’s stated commitment to unity in diversity (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) and the protection of all its citizens.
- Legal Precedent: Should such a bill be enacted, it would set a legal precedent, potentially opening the door for further legislation targeting other minority groups or restricting individual freedoms based on religious interpretations.
- Public Discourse: The debate surrounding the RUU would undoubtedly dominate public discourse, forcing a national conversation about morality, human rights, religious freedom, and the role of the state in personal lives.
- International Relations: As a prominent G20 member and a country often lauded for its democratic transitions, Indonesia’s stance on LGBT rights could impact its international standing and relationships, particularly with Western democracies that prioritize human rights.
- Economic Impact: A climate of legal discrimination could deter foreign investment, impact tourism, and hinder the participation of a segment of the population in the economy, potentially leading to brain drain or reduced productivity.
In conclusion, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia’s decision to make LGBT issues a strategic agenda for the upcoming 8th Indonesian Islamic Congress and to initiate a draft bill signals a profound and potentially transformative shift in Indonesia’s approach to human rights and social policy. As the nation approaches July 2026, all eyes will be on Jakarta to observe the deliberations of KUII VIII and the subsequent journey of the proposed RUU, which promises to ignite a crucial national debate about identity, morality, and the future direction of Indonesian society. The outcome will not only redefine the legal landscape for LGBT individuals but also significantly shape Indonesia’s identity as a pluralistic nation in the global arena.
