Drag queen enters politics

Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta

Although the jampacked hall of Sunan Kalijaga State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN) was stiflingly hot, Merlyn's voice could be clearly heard above the din of a book discussion.

Merlyn, a 30-year-old transsexual from Malang, East Java, was in a class all her own that afternoon. Her striking looks and witty remarks easily charmed the audience. All eyes were fixed on her as the audience hung on every word she so eloquently spoke.

The moment the discussion was over, nearly half the audience rushed forward for a closer look at her. Some asked for her autograph, a photo opportunity or just her phone number. Like a film star, she calmly complied with all the requests.

Merlyn usually gets a lot of attention with her good looks. During afternoons in the parking lot of the Gajayana Stadium in Malang, dozens of people stand and watch her play volleyball. Wearing a T-shirt and tight shorts, Merlyn is the center of attraction for Malang residents every Monday and Wednesday there.

Earning the beauty pageant title of Indonesia's Transsexual Queen, Merlyn's name has become a household word since she entered the Malang mayoralty race.

"I'm really serious about this. I'm filling out the necessary form and drawing up my mission and vision. I will hand in my nomination form and other required documents later this month," she told The Jakarta Post.

Why is she interested in running for mayor even though she does not belong to a political party in Malang?

"Well, first, I would like to raise the standard of living for Malang residents, particularly ordinary people. Second, I would like to redesign the layout of this city. Malang city is no longer a cold tourist city. Instead, it has turned into a hotbed of shop-houses.

"Besides, I also want to accommodate the aspirations of ordinary and socially disadvantaged people in this community. Their aspirations are usually ignored by the regional administration and the legislative assembly. I will fight to have their aspirations heard."

Although some speculate that her chances of winning the race are slim, her self-confidence is not about to falter. However, she realizes transsexuals are usually unfairly treated, not to mention that she is only 30 and does not have the support of any political parties. "Still, I can garner considerable support from non-governmental organization (NGO) activists, journalists and other groups, such as transsexuals, gays and lesbians," she said.

It is certainly not easy for Merlyn to appear in public, especially as people have not been so accepting of her. She told the Post of "going through a bitter struggle" to live life as a transsexual. At the height of her despair, she tried to end her life in 1990. She drank Baygon mosquito repellent but she did not die. This led her to believe that God loves her just the way she is.

Merlyn, born Ario Pamungkas in Kediri on February 16, 1973, found her true self and changed her name to Merlyn Alisia.

She attended Malang National Technical Institute, majoring in civil engineering. As a transsexual, she has received sympathy and support, but also dealt with a lot of scorn.

She sometimes roams the streets at night to find fellow transsexuals and there are times when she and her peers are subjected to police raids. She said she goes out at night not for sex, but solely for companionship. She realizes that many transsexuals prefer the lonely streets at night as they have no place in the community. The night and the road are a suitable meeting time and place for her and other transsexuals.

"Please, don't be suspicious if you see them coming out at night," Merlyn said.

From her association with this nocturnal community for close to a year, Merlyn has learned many things. She believes that transsexuals have the same opportunities as other people.

"That's why I have to develop, as best I can, the talent that God has endowed me with. I have to be a high achiever and dedicate myself to the community as best I can. I can boast that I'm now a public figure in Malang. I befriend people from all levels of the community, from becak (pedicab) drivers to government officials."

Thanks to her overwhelming popularity, Merlyn has been made the chairperson of the Malang Transsexuals Association (Iwama). She is also the program manager for Family Health International, an NGO. Apart from being a health activist, she is also the treasurer for a women's association in her neighborhood.

Merlyn has also won a number of beauty pageants. In 1995, for example, she was won the title of Indonesia's Transsexual Queen in Bandung. In 1996, she won first prize as Indonesia's top transsexual model in Surabaya, and in 2003 she won first prize in the All-East Java Competition of Transsexuals Wearing Kebaya (a traditional blouse with the front pinned together).

Despite her success and beauty, her lover broke up with her a month ago. She was so broken-hearted that she vowed to never fall in love again.

"We had been dating for eight years. So when he dumped me, I was really heartbroken. He will be getting married later this month to another woman. I was aware of this possibility from the outset (of our relationship). From the legal, social and religious aspects, I cannot marry anyone. And I can never give birth to a child.

"Love sometimes hurts," she said.

Merlyn has become a role model for other transsexuals and the socially disadvantaged in Malang. She talks openly about herself with great self-confidence. She is in every instance a public speaker.

When students from IAIN asked her how she finds sexual satisfaction, she smiled coyly and with a sideways glance, she replied, "If this wasn't a scientific forum, I would say, 'want to try?'"