Police Raid Gay Party, Discover HIV and Syphilis Infections
Authorities in Indonesia are investigating after a raid on a gay party in West Java led to the detention of 75 men, with health checks revealing that nearly half of the participants tested positive for HIV or syphilis. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
The Raid and Detentions
A joint operation involving the Criminal Investigation Unit, Bogor police, and Megamendung police, took place at a villa in the Puncak area of Bogor Regency. The raid, which occurred early Sunday, June 23, followed public reports of suspicious activities. The police initially believed the event was a “family gathering,” but all attendees were men.
Teguh Kumara, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Bogor Police, confirmed the raid. He explained that the authorities acted upon information from concerned residents. “After conducting an investigation and a raid, we detained 75 people,” he stated.
Health Examinations and Results
Following the detentions, the Bogor Regency Health Office conducted health examinations on the individuals. The results revealed that 30 of the 75 participants were infected with HIV and syphilis.
“Out of the 75 participants we tested, 30 were reactive for HIV and syphilis, while the remaining 45 were clear,”
—Dr. Fusia Meidiawaty, Head of the Bogor Regency Health Office
The police are now focused on identifying the roles of four suspected event organizers. This development underscores the sensitivity surrounding same-sex relationships in Indonesia. Despite laws not explicitly banning them, such relationships face considerable social stigma.
Legal and Social Context
Consensual same-sex relationships among adults are not expressly forbidden in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation. However, they are a taboo and can result in legal repercussions. Engaging in homosexual acts involving minors or perceived as lewd could bring criminal charges under the current Criminal Code and new provisions in Law No. 1/2023, set to take effect in 2026.
In 2022, the Indonesian government reported that 54,000 people were living with HIV, and 23,000 new cases were recorded, emphasizing the urgent need for more preventative measures (UNAIDS).
The raid and its aftermath illuminate the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The situation demands increased awareness and proactive strategies to ensure better health outcomes and respect for their human rights.