Investigation demanded over trans woman torture murder

Note: This story describes a violent transphobic murder.

Equality advocates have urged Australians to write to Indonesian authorities to demand a full police investigation into the horrific murder of a trans woman in North Jakarta on the weekend.

The woman, Mira, was burned alive by a mob of men and later died in hospital of her injuries.

Three of six suspects were arrested, but Indonesian police will not bring murder charges against them, Reuters has reported.

Police chief Budhi Herdi Susianto said that the suspects, who reportedly doused Mira in petrol and lit a match, did not intend to burn her.

Australian Transgender Support Organisation Queensland (ATSOQ) and national advocacy group Just.Equal have written to the Indonesian president and ambassador asking for a full investigation, action against hate crime, and respect of LGBTIQ human rights.

“We stand in solidarity with transgender people across Indonesia at what must be a time of great sorrow and fear,” said ATSOQ Secretary Krissy Johnson.

“We urge Australians who support human rights to write to the Indonesian authorities and ask for a thorough investigation of this horrific crime and tougher action against all anti-LGBTIQ hate crime.”

Rodney Croome of Just.Equal said that governments “have a duty to ensure fear and uncertainty do not trigger hatred and violence against traditionally stigmatised minorities”.

“Indonesia is one of the world’s largest democracies and its leadership against hate crime will echo around the world,” he said.

Indonesia has a poor record of LGBTIQ rights.

Recently proposed new laws would see gay people sent to ‘rehabilitation camps’ and their children seized by authorities.

The country has made international headlines for years over public floggings of gay people and police raids of LGBTIQ venues.

Trans women have previously been rounded up by Indonesian authorities for ‘rehabilitation’.

Australians are urged to email the Indonesian ambassador to demand investigation of Mira’s case and action against hate crime.