Fajarasia.co – Member of Commission I DPR RI PDIP Faction TB Hasanuddin criticized the raising of the LGBT+ flag at the British Embassy in Jakarta. According to him, the action was provocative.
TB Hasanudin explained that Indonesia has Law No. 1/1982 which is the Ratification of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and its Optional Protocol Regarding the Acquisition of Citizenship. The British Embassy’s hoisting of the LGBT flag, said TB Hasanuddin, was protected by the principle of impunity over the sovereignty of a country within the territory of an Embassy.
However, TB Hasanuddin assessed that there were principles that were not in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations related to the act of raising the LGBT flag, particularly in Article 3 Paragraph 1 (e). The article explains that the function of diplomatic missions is to promote friendly relations between sending and receiving countries and to develop economic, cultural and scientific relations.
“Thus, this action is a provocative act from a cultural perspective that is trusted by the Indonesian people,” said TB Hasanuddin to reporters, Saturday (21/5/2022).
TB Hasanuddin said the embassy complex area anywhere under international law is the sovereign territory of the country’s representatives. Thus, explained TB Hasanuddin, the country where an embassy is located cannot prohibit activities carried out by state representatives in the embassy complex.
“However, international relations also involve ethical aspects and respect for socio-cultural norms that apply in other countries. Of course, Britain as a fellow friendly country must respect each other so as not to create an uncomfortable atmosphere between the two countries,” said TB Hasanuddin.
“Britain should be more sensitive to the cultural values prevailing in Indonesia,” he continued.
Previously, the British Embassy to Indonesia based in Jakarta had flown the LGBT rainbow flag. But now the LGBT flag has been removed and replaced with the Ukrainian flag.
As for the LGBT flag, the official Instagram account of the British Embassy for Indonesia gave a statement. The colorful flags are hoisted to commemorate anti-homophobia day, 17 May.
“Yesterday, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) – we raised the LGBT+ flag and held an event, for all of us who are part of the one human family,” the British Embassy in Indonesia said on its official Instagram account. .
The attitude of the British government is clear, supporting LGBT. They urged the international community to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The UK supports diversity and tolerance.
“We urge countries to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations, and to introduce laws that protect LGBT+ people from all forms of discrimination,” the British Embassy said.****
