Transvestites head for Padang

PADANG, West Sumatra: Tight competition has forced dozens of transvestite prostitutes to flee Jakarta and Pekanbaru for a new life here.

Deputy head of the Mayoralty Public Order Office Surya Ramadhan told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that despite the visible presence of migrant transvestites, he found it difficult to arrest them because men could not legally be categorized as prostitutes.

"They are genetically men. We cannot net them that easy, otherwise they will file lawsuits against us," Ramadhan said.

No arrest can be made against them either, as long they do not disrupt public order, Ramadhan said.

One of the transvestites said he and his friends left Jakarta because of the growing number of competitors there.

"Besides, the situation in Jakarta is 'hot' right now," he said, referring to political developments in the aftermath of the June 7 general election. (28)