LGBT flag makes Indonesia angry as Islamic conservatives cry foul, UK ambassador summoned

A diplomatic row has broken out between the UK and Indonesia over a flag hoisted at the British embassy in Jakarta.

On May 17, a rainbow LGBT flag was hoisted alongside the national flag at the British embassy in the Muslim-majority nation. It was to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Posting the flag's photos on social media, the embassy had written, "Sometimes it is important to take a stand for what you think is right, even if disagreement between friends can be uncomfortable."

ALSO WATCH | Quixplained: Tamil Nadu’s new rule to protect LGBTQ+ community from police harassment

But the move did not go down well with the host country. The Indonesian government summoned the British envoy as Islamic conservatives in the country cried foul. Britain was asked by Indonesia to be respectful of local "sensitivities on matters relevant to culture, religion, and belief".

Homosexuality is legal in Indonesia except in the sharia-ruled province of Aceh. However, growing influence of Islamic conservatives in the world's largest Muslim-majority country is reinforcing the social taboo surrounding homosexuality.