美国国家公共电台 NPR--Indonesia's new criminal code sparks international outcry for restrictive sex laws

（单词翻译）

Indonesia's new criminal code sparks international outcry for restrictive sex laws

Transcript¹

NPR speaks with Veronica Koman, an Indonesian human rights lawyer in exile, about Indonesia's new criminal code that broadly restricts civil liberties.

RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Indonesia's new criminal code, approved this week by the country's Parliament, is provoking international condemnation². The new laws essentially³ make having sex outside of marriage against the law, and breaking that law would land someone in jail. Human rights groups say restrictions⁴ around sex are just one part of the new code that stifles⁵ civil liberties in a much broader way. We've called on Indonesian human rights lawyer Veronica Koman. She joins me from Sydney, Australia. Thank you so much for being with us.

VERONICA KOMAN: Thank you. Hi, Rachel. Thank you for inviting⁶ me today.

MARTIN: The new criminal code would have profound implications for the LGBTQ community in Indonesia - right? - because it makes sex outside of marriage illegal, but same-sex marriage in Indonesia is banned.

KOMAN: That is very excellent question because, of course, the drafters drafted in such a heteronormative way that it further marginalizes same-sex couples because same-sex marriage is not recognized in Indonesia, and it means it can be weaponized by - because it's a clause - it's an offense-warranting complaint, it means that - by family members. So it means that LGBTQ+ people living in Indonesia will live in fear in case that - their family is not approval of their relationship, then it can be weaponized towards them.

MARTIN: So it provides those families who may suffer a rift⁷ over someone's sexuality a way to tell on one another, which seems very destructive.

KOMAN: Yeah. And it means, you know, people will live in fear of their own family members.

MARTIN: The new criminal code also limits free speech. You can't insult or critique Indonesia's president or vice⁸ president. It also outlaws⁹ demonstrations¹⁰ without a government permit. That seems less egregious¹¹. But talk to me about how you see these new limitations.

KOMAN: So not just - you got it right there, but not just president or vice president but any state institution, any government officials. So even if, like, I insult a receptionist working at a public prosecutor¹² office, then I can be charged. We literally¹³ cannot speak anymore anything about government officials. It's a death to democracy in Indonesia.

MARTIN: Is there a political movement against this? Is there resistance from grassroots organizations?

KOMAN: Totally. So in 2019, actually, hundreds of thousands of Indonesians took to the streets. That's why it was delayed until now - until this week, I mean. But then COVID happened. So there's totally huge resistance. And civil society is already discussing to challenge this law at the constitutional court because, technically¹⁴ speaking, it will come into force in three years from now. So we have window of opportunity to raise our voice, including international pressure from - you know, the audience that hearing, listening to this right now, we need your voice.

MARTIN: Indonesian human rights lawyer Veronica Koman in Sydney, Australia. Thank you so much.

KOMAN: Thank you.