Officially, Indonesia Asked UNDP Stop Funds for LGBT Community

JAKARTA - Indonesian government asked the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) stop the flow of funds for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community's activities in the country. UNDP representative in Jakarta to seek clarification regarding reports about the agency sending funds to the country for such activities.

"The UNDP representative in Indonesia has been summoned to give an explanation about what really happened at the Bappenas. They have stated they were not aware about the issue and did not participate in the project. They said it was a project run by UNDP Thailand. In view of that, they have been asked to inform Thailand not to implement it in Indonesia," said vice president, Jusuf Kalla at National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), Monday (15/2).

Earlier reported that the UNDP, in cooperation with the Swedish embassy in Bangkok and the USAID, had extended US$8 million to support various activities carried out by LGBT communities. In its explanation, the UNDP said the project had been on since December 2014 and would last until September 2017.

The project is aimed at supporting the LGBT community, making them aware of their rights including a legal right to report possible cases of human rights violations affecting them. One of the goals of the project is improving the capability of non-profit LGBT organizations in mobilizing, supporting and contributing through dialogues, policies and activities aimed at empowering them.