Surabaya LGBT Raid: Police Call in Psychiatrist
- The Surabaya Big City Police (Polrestabes) raided an event dubbed the "LGBT Siwalan Party" held at a hotel in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
- Police have identified a suspect with the initials MR as the funder of the party.
- According to police,some attendees were students while others were employed in the private sector.
Surabaya Police Raid “LGBT Siwalan party,” Offer Psychological Support
Table of Contents
published October 22, 2025, 13:47:53
Event Overview
The Surabaya Big City Police (Polrestabes) raided an event dubbed the “LGBT Siwalan Party” held at a hotel in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. The raid occurred after authorities learned of the gathering through information disseminated via WhatsApp groups by a suspect identified only by the initials RK, who acted as the primary administrator.
suspects and funding
Police have identified a suspect with the initials MR as the funder of the party. MR reportedly admitted to hosting similar events in surabaya City eight times previously.Participants did not pay an attendance fee, as all costs were covered by MR, with the stated motive being the pursuit of “a sensation of pleasure.”
According to police,some attendees were students while others were employed in the private sector.
Health and Psychological support
Authorities are conducting health checks on those apprehended, due to concerns about the potential transmission of venereal diseases. In addition to legal proceedings,the Surabaya Police have engaged a psychiatrist to provide support and guidance to the individuals involved.
AKBP Edy Herwiyanto, Head of the Criminal Examination Unit, emphasized that addressing LGBTQ+ issues requires a multifaceted approach. He stated that legal action is not the sole response, and that treatment and rehabilitation are also being considered.
Context: LGBTQ+ Rights in Indonesia
Indonesia does not criminalize same-sex relations nationally, but faces significant social stigma and discrimination. Certain regions, like Aceh, have implemented Sharia law which criminalizes same-sex acts.The Indonesian government has also considered legislation that would criminalize same-sex relations nationwide,sparking international concern. Human Rights Watch provides detailed reporting on LGBTQ+ rights in Indonesia.
Raids on LGBTQ+ individuals and events are not uncommon, often justified under the guise of maintaining public morality. These actions frequently draw criticism from human rights organizations.