The Yogyakarta Regional Police have confirmed that they support the protection of transgender rights. This was confirmed by AKBP Wahyu Tribudi in a meeting with the Yogyakarta Transgender Care Alliance (AWPY) on Wednesday, August 8th, 2018 at MAPOLDA DIY.
The Aliansi Waria Peduli Yogyakarta (AWPY) held a meeting with the Ditreskrimum division of the DIY Regional Police to ensure the rights of transgender Indonesians as citizens in order to secure greater protection from sexual and gender-based violence committed by intolerant groups.
Representatives of Aliansi Waria Peduli Yogyakarta (AWPY) from KEBAYA, IWAYO, and PONPES WARIA were welcomed by AKBP Iqbal Yudhi, AKBP Wahyu Tribbudi and Kompol Retnowati, of the Ditreskrimum DIY Regional Police.
AKBP Wahyu Tribudi confirmed his support for the protection of transgender communities in Yogyakarta, firmly stating, “We, Yogyakarta Regional Police will provide protection, care, and security for our friends [the transgender community], because everyone has the same rights before the law. Mass organizations that carry out acts of violence and repression should be reported. If we do not carry out this duty to protect, please report us to the Chief of Police.”
Meanwhile,Commissioner Retno conveyed the importance of discussions between police officers and the transgender community, as well as those who work in the realm of gender, sexuality, and reproductive health. “I think there needs to be education related to gender and sexuality and perhaps we can work together on this matter. We will convey this idea to the leaders of the Yogyakarta Regional Police. This would help those of us here to understand the differences between transgender, gay and lesbian. Right now there is very little distinction among these different groups – we consider it all the same.”
Mrs. Shinta, of AWPY, said, “The transgender community in Yogyakarta expects security protection from the police. Especially because there will soon be a Presidential election and we cannot rule out the possibility of LGBT issues gaining more controversial attention, which could provoke even more violence and trauma against the transgender community.”
