DPD Ethics Committee to Summon Arya Wedakarna Over Attendance at Transgender Pageant
The Ethics Committee (BK) of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia will summon Senator from Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Arya Wedakarna, following his attendance at the Miss Equality World 2026 transgender contest in Bangkok, Thailand. The investigation is scheduled to take place next week.
“The summons will likely occur on Thursday or Friday,” said the Chairman of the DPD Ethics Committee, Hasby Yusuf, when contacted on Saturday (5/9/2026).
Hasby explained that the Ethics Committee will clarify Arya’s previous statement in which he claimed to be unaware that the event promoted transgender issues. The committee also intends to investigate Arya’s assertion that he attended the event as the President of the Hindu Center of Indonesia, rather than as a member of the DUP.
“In his recent statement, he claimed he was invited and did not know exactly who the organisers were. He stated he was there not specifically as a representative of an institution, but merely for tourism promotion. Furthermore, his statement involved him representing Hindu people and the Balinese Hindu community,” he explained.
Despite Arya’s denial of attending as a DPD member, he was noted to be accompanied by Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel. Hasby stated that the committee will also look into this matter.
“He claimed he travelled in a private capacity, yet there was an escort. Additionally, there were references to him as an ‘Indonesian Senator’ during the event,” he added.
“In principle, the Ethics Committee will work according to the established mechanisms, procedures, regulations, and code of ethics. This includes matters regarding the protocol rights attached to DPD members.”
Clarification from Arya Wedakarna
Arya Wedakarna has provided his own explanation regarding his presence at the Miss Equality World 2026 transgender beauty pageant. He emphasised that his attendance at the event in Bangkok was not in his capacity as a DPD member representing Bali.
Arya initially claimed 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. He stated his presence was as a tourism figure.
“The chronology is as follows: in mid-June this year, at my residence in Jembrana, representing myself and as a Hindu cultural figure, we received the committee, known as the MS Organization. They operate across 15 countries and frequently conduct charity work in Bali. As a guest, we welcomed them,” Arya told reporters on Wednesday (2/9).
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 several activities took place there, ranging from visits to temples to exhibitions.
The climax of the event on 30 August involved an awards ceremony. Arya attended this ceremony, the photographs of which subsequently circulated on social media.
“There were many parts to the itinerary. I visited a Buddhist Vihara, Hindu temples, and various exhibitions and discussion sessions. The peak of the event was the awards night, where awards were presented to five figures,” he said.
“Their team also produced a video about Balinese tourism. I attended to represent Bali because they were showcasing a video of Bali’s successful tourism. That was all; there was no speech, just receiving the recognition, and then I departed,” he revealed.
He maintained that he attended in a private capacity and claimed he was unaware the event focused on transgender issues.
“No, I did not know. Secondly, it would be unethical to ask about gender issues. We know that in Thailand, gender diversity is prevalent. I was there as an individual. That is why I wore traditional Balinese attire,” he said.
He also explained the presence of the uniformed man beside him during the event. Arya stated that the individual was an aide-de-camp assigned for security.
“We see that Thailand is currently quite volatile. Recently, there were conflicts involving Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. There have also been incidents of bombings and shootings there. Therefore, the security was simply attached to me for protection; it has no other connection,” he added.