Transvestites head for Padang

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)