Indonesian police have arrested 34 men for allegedly hosting a same-sex event at a Surabaya hotel.
Authorities said the suspects were detained after residents reported suspicious activities during the night.
Dozens of men have been detained in Indonesia for allegedly organizing a same-sex gathering at a hotel in Surabaya, East Java.
According to reports from Mail Online, about 34 men were taken into custody on October 19 and later paraded by police. Photos from the incident showed the men barefoot, their hands tied together with zip ties, as they were marched through the street.
Hotel management said they had no prior knowledge of any such event taking place. They explained that each room is private and under the full control of the guest who books it. A representative told local media that the booking involved two connected rooms and that the hotel was particularly busy that weekend.
The representative admitted that the development had affected the hotel’s reputation, saying it had drawn negative public reactions. However, he maintained that the hotel remains committed to ensuring guests’ privacy, safety, and comfort.
The police raid reportedly began around 1 a.m. after residents raised concerns about suspicious activities on one of the hotel floors. Officers took all the men to the Surabaya Police Headquarters for questioning and seized items such as mobile phones, contraceptives, and electronic devices as evidence.
Authorities said 34 individuals have been named as suspects in connection with the case. The Head of the Surabaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Edy Herwiyanto, explained that some of those arrested were participants, while others played different roles such as financiers or organizers.
Police have yet to disclose the specific charges that will be filed against them.
