Indonesia's LGBT community faces rising threats from new regulations

Recent vigilante attacks on trans women reflect 'quickly deteriorating' situation

An activist carrying a rainbow flag takes part in a rally to support women's and LGBT rights outside the National Monument complex in Jakarta in March 2022. © Reuters

SURABAYA, Indonesia -- Human rights watchdogs are sounding the alarm about escalating persecution of Indonesia's LGBT community, in the wake of recent vigilante attacks against transgender women and new regulations fueling fears of further threats.