The fall of Indonesia’s New Order regime in 1998 and the resulting democratic transition created new opportunities for political participation and civic engagement. At the same time, it facilitated the re-emergence of political Islam as a powerful force within public life. Over time, and especially since the early 2010s, Islamic organisations, movements and religiously oriented political actors have increasingly shaped electoral politics, public policy and state institutions, contributing to the normalisation of Islamic fundamentalist narratives that oppose gender equality and the rights of women, gender and sexual minorities (WGSM). As a result, WGSM rights advocates have become increasingly vulnerable to religiously framed forms of backlash. Religious Fundamentalism in Indonesia: Political Capture and Repression of Gender Rights examines how Islamic fundamentalism influences civic space and constrains WGSM rights advocacy in contemporary Indonesia. The report finds that WGSM defenders face coordinated forms of backlash, including discriminatory laws and regulations, online harassment and physical intimidation. Politicians, religious organisations and fundamentalist actors frequently frame feminism, gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights as threats to religious values, public morality and national identity, creating an environment that legitimises exclusion and hostility towards WGSM communities. The report also examines how WGSM organisations have responded through security measures, support networks within civil society and international partnerships. However, these efforts remain limited. Internal divisions within civil society – particularly the taboo on LGBTQI+ issues – and resource constraints further undermine protection efforts. The report recommends that the Indonesian government, international aid organisations, international non-governmental organisations, civil society actors and WGSM rights organisations strengthen protection mechanisms for rights defenders while addressing the structural drivers of religiously motivated repression. Doing so requires confronting the growing political influence of Islamic fundamentalism and ensuring that gender equality, pluralism and minority rights remain integral to Indonesia’s democratic future.