In a chilling crackdown on free speech, Indonesia has sentenced transgender TikTok influencer Ratu Thalisa to nearly three years in prison over a remark about Jesus’ hair. The case has sparked outrage from human rights activists, who call it an alarming escalation of religious censorship.
The controversy started during a live stream when a viewer told Thalisa to cut her hair to “avoid looking like a woman.” In response, the Muslim influencer held up a photo of Jesus and quipped, “You should cut your hair so that you will look like his father.” That single offhand comment was enough to provoke five Christian groups into filing a blasphemy complaint, leading to Thalisa’s arrest just days later.
On Monday, a court in Medan, North Sumatra, handed down the staggering two-year-and-10-month sentence, claiming the influencer’s words had disrupted “public order” and “religious harmony.” The ruling also included a hefty fine of 100 million rupiah ($6,000), a punishment critics say is designed to make an example of her.
A Blow to Free Speech—and LGBTQ Rights
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the conviction, calling for Thalisa’s immediate release. “This prison sentence is a shocking attack on freedom of expression,” said Amnesty Indonesia’s director, Usman Hamid. “Blasphemy laws have no place in a democratic society.”
The case also raises urgent concerns for Indonesia’s LGBTQ community, which already faces rampant discrimination. The country has no legal recognition of trans identities, and queer individuals often find themselves at the mercy of vague morality laws used to silence and punish them. Thalisa’s sentencing sends a clear message: LGBTQ people who challenge religious norms can expect to face the full weight of the law.
Indonesia’s blasphemy laws, remnants of Dutch colonial rule, are increasingly being used as tools of oppression, disproportionately targeting minorities and dissidents. In recent years, the government has ramped up censorship, making it clear that any deviation from the state-approved religious narrative will not be tolerated.
A Dangerous Precedent
Thalisa’s case isn’t just about one influencer—it’s about the growing threat to free speech and LGBTQ rights in Indonesia. With the country tightening its grip on social media expression, activists warn that this sets a precedent for further crackdowns on marginalized communities.
As Indonesia moves toward greater authoritarianism, the world must watch closely. Will the international community step in to pressure Jakarta, or will LGBTQ voices in the region continue to be silenced? One thing is certain: Thalisa’s case is a stark reminder that in some parts of the world, a simple joke can cost you your freedom.