By 
07-11-2025
Miriam Schanz
Asia Team Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
Two Indonesian Soldiers (Pvt. Richard Bulan and Pvt. Lucky Chepril Saputral Namo) were brutally tortured over unproven accusations of being in an “LGBT relationship”. During the trial that followed, Richard emotionally testified to the inhumane treatment and torture him and his friend Lucky endured, which led to the death of Lucky.
Both Richard and Lucky were personnel of the 834 Territorial Development Infantry Battalion/Wakange Mere, a new base, located in Nagekeo regency, NTT. The abuses started after both men were found sitting on a mattress together. They were both accused of being in an “LGBT relationship”. Various abuses followed, including kicks, punches, slaps, forced nudity with coercive humiliation, cigarette burns, and both were forced to confess to being in an “LGBT relationship”. This abuse left both men severely wounded and weakened. Lucky was hospitalised and treated at the intensive care unit (ICU) ward on August 2nd, 2025, and died a few days later on August 6th. Following this, “strict actions against [the] perpetrators” were taken, with 20 army personnel named as suspects and detained, including one officer. A trial followed, and the case was split into three dossiers: one includes the Rifle Company, a commander (charged with failing to prevent the torture), another covers 17 senior soldiers, and four defendants were questioned on October 29th. During the prosecution, the military prosecutor admitted there had never been proof of LGBT conduct, only assumptions.
The case drew public scrutiny as it demonstrated the pervasive abuse and broader culture of violence present in military units. Furthermore, even if not confirmed, or true in this case, it demonstrates the risks and discrimination members of the LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face in Indonesia. During the court proceedings, the parents of the victims demanded harsh penalties for those who mistreated their sons. Ultimately, all the defendants were charged with multiple articles of the Criminal Code (KUHP) and the Military Criminal Code (KUHPM), and received maximum sentences of nine years in prison.
