Recognition of same-sex unions in Indonesia

While there are no records of same-sex marriages as understood from a Western perspective being performed in pre-modern Indonesian cultures, there is evidence for identities and behaviours that may be placed on the LGBT spectrum.

Since heterosexual relations with women were regarded as "sapping the strength of the warok", he was allowed to have a young boy, usually between 8 and 16 years of age, to serve him sexually and play a part in the dance.

As part of responding to their spiritual calling, male-bodied individuals adopted the mannerisms, attire and lifestyle of women, even taking on male partners as husbands.

"[8][9][10] These shamans played "important roles in their communities", being honoured and admired, but "this tradition has diminished due to modern values and education brought by colonialism".

1 Tahun 1994 Tentang Perkawinan) states that marriage is "a physical and spiritual bond between a man and a woman as husband and wife, having the purpose of establishing a happy and lasting family founded on the Belief in God Almighty".

[a]Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in June 2015, proponents, including singer Sherina Munaf, posted celebratory messages on social media and many highlighted their Facebook profile pictures with rainbow filters.

This caused political backslash and controversy, with the Minister of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, responding that Indonesia "could not accept" same-sex marriage.

Writing for the Indonesia at Melbourne blog, Hendri Yulius wrote, "Under Suharto's New Order, anything that conflicted with the state ideology was considered foreign and a threat to Indonesian moral values and culture.

[20] An online polling conducted by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) in October 2016 found that 69% respondents were against the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 14% supported and 17% were neutral.