Indonesian authorities have confirmed that two men have been arrested for posting an image on Facebook that showed them embracing in bed.
Police in North Sulawesi has reportedly confirmed the arrest of two men for creating pornography.
In the photos the two men, aged 22 and 24, were allegedly kissing while shirtless. One of the two men posted the image to his Facebook account with a message that read: “With my dear lover tonight. May our love last forever.”
Local police released a statement confirming they had responded to “LGBT pornography in the form of two men canoodling.”
The two men now face potential jail sentences of 7 years each under the countries strict laws.
Indonesia has seen a dramatic increase in calls for the LGBTI community to be targeted through new laws and police action in recent months.
Online dating apps such as Grindr have been banned in the country and the government has issued new directives suggesting that effeminate men should not be seen on television.
Recently the government advertised a new position for a youth ambassador but added a caveat that LGBTI people should not apply for the position.
The advertisement said candidates should provide a doctor’s certificate to prove they were not gay.
“We require someone physically and mentally healthy, not involved in promiscuity and sexually deviant behavior, including LGBT, which should be proven through a doctor’s certificate.” the advertisement read.
A conservative Islamic family group, the Family Love Alliance (ALIA) has been pushing for laws to be changed to make homosexuality illegal and criminalise all sexual activity outside of marriage.
Recently the country’s only boarding school and refuge for transgender women was forced to close.
Concern has been raised over the countries rapidly growing rate of HIV infections. Between 2007 and 2015, HIV among homosexual Indonesians rose from 5.4% to 25.8%, in contrast to falling global rates.
Health experts have expressed concern that the crack down on homosexuality will have a negative effect on the country’s ability to tackle HIV.
Earlier this week Human Rights Watch raised concern over the nation’s rapidly growing intolerance.
OIP Staff
