SURABAYA, Indonesia (BN24) — Indonesian police have arrested 34 men accused of participating in an alleged same-sex gathering at a hotel in Surabaya, East Java, during a late-night raid over the weekend.
Authorities said the arrests took place in the early hours of Sunday, October 19, after residents reported unusual activity on one of the hotel’s floors. The Surabaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit confirmed that all 34 men were detained for questioning following the raid.
Images circulating in local media showed the men barefoot and bound together with zip ties as they were paraded outside by police officers. The men were later transported to Surabaya Police Headquarters for further investigation.
Police said evidence seized from the scene included contraceptives, mobile phones, and several electronic devices. AKBP Edy Herwiyanto, head of the Surabaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit, said Tuesday that all 34 detainees had been named as suspects.
“Some of the individuals acted as participants, while others served as financiers, administrators, or assistants in organizing the gathering,” Edy said. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges that will be filed.
Hotel management said they were unaware of any party taking place and described the rented rooms as private spaces fully under the control of guests. A representative told CNN Indonesia that the booking involved two adjoining rooms and that the hotel was busy due to weekend traffic.
“The impact is quite disappointing because there has been some unpleasant feedback about our hotel,” the spokesperson said, adding that the establishment remains committed to ensuring guest privacy, comfort, and safety.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to Indonesia’s ongoing debate over privacy and morality laws. While homosexuality is not illegal in most parts of the country, same-sex relations are often stigmatized and can lead to arrests under public decency or pornography statutes.
As of Thursday, police said investigations were ongoing and the suspects remained in custody pending further legal proceedings.
