Arya Wedakarna Responds to Criticism Over Attendance at Miss Equality World Event

Photos showing Arya Wedakarna attending the Miss Equality World 2026 transgender beauty pageant have been circulating widely on social media. Arya provided an explanation after his presence drew significant attention from netizens.

He emphasised that his attendance at the event, held in Bangkok, Thailand, was not in his capacity as a member of the DPD representing Bali. He initially stated that he received an invitation from an organisation known for conducting charitable activities.

According to Arya, he was informed that Bali was receiving an award for its tourism. His presence there, he said, was as a tourism figure.

“So the chronology is, mid-year this year, in June. I was at my palace in Jembrana. Representing myself personally and also as a Hindu cultural figure. We received the committee, called the MS Organization. They have networks in 15 countries and they have frequently held charity activities in Bali. Social activities, like that. So, as guests, we received them,” Arya told reporters on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

Arya stated that his presence at Miss Equality World was as the President of the Hindu Center of Indonesia, not representing the DPD RI. He mentioned that several activities were conducted there, ranging from visits to Buddhist temples to exhibitions.

The climax of the event on 30 August involved an awards ceremony. Arya was present at the ceremony, the photos of which subsequently spread across social media.

“There were many events in the programme. I also had the chance to tour the area, to Buddhist temples, and also to Hindu temples. There were also exhibitions and various discussion events. The peak night was the awards ceremony, where one of the activities was presenting awards to five figures,” he said.

“Their team also produced a video about Bali and Balinese tourism. I attended to represent Bali because of that video, which highlighted the success of Balinese tourism. That was all. Without a speech, just receiving it, and then it was finished, I departed, just like that,” he explained.

He stated that he attended in a personal capacity and claimed he was unaware that the event promoted transgender issues.

“No. I didn’t know. Secondly, it would be unethical to ask about gender, would it not? We know Thailand; there is a lot of gender diversity there. No, I was not representing the DPD; I was there as an individual. That is why I wore traditional Balinese attire,” he said.

He also explained the presence of a man in uniform beside him during the event. Arya stated that the individual was an aide-de-camp assigned for security.

“As we can see, Thailand is currently quite volatile. Recently, there was conflict between Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia,” Arya noted.

“Furthermore, there have been instances of bombings and shootings there. So, he was simply attached to me; it was his duty to escort me, and it has no connection [to the event’s theme],” he added.