Sidoarjo, E. Java. Police in Sidoarjo, East Java, have arrested three men suspected of creating a same-sex or LGBT community on Facebook that circulated pornographic content.

The suspects were detained in a rented room in a densely populated area of Taman, Sidoarjo, following a 24-hour cyber patrol by the local Criminal Investigation Unit. Officers discovered the Facebook group during the monitoring operation.

Sidoarjo Police Chief Christian Tobing identified the suspects as AY, 22, from Kertosono, Nganjuk; RM, 22, from Ngoro, Jombang; and SM, 32, from Jember.

The suspects were accused of actively uploading explicit videos and images to the group. Police seized evidence, including contraceptives, scented oils, sexual lubricants, sex toys, chat logs, and pornographic videos during the raid.

The three men are currently held at the Sidoarjo Police Station pending further investigation. They face charges related to the distribution of obscene material through electronic media, which could carry prison sentences under Indonesian law.

If convicted, the suspects could face up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to Rp 6 billion ($370,000).

While consensual same-sex relationships between adults are not explicitly illegal in the world's largest muslim country, they remain taboo and can draw legal consequences. Homosexual acts involving minors or those deemed to involve lewd conduct can result in criminal charges under the current Criminal Code and new provisions in Law No. 1/2023, which will take effect in 2026.

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