Jakarta. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on the police to launch a criminal investigation into a recent beauty pageant for transgender women held at a Jakarta hotel.

Cholil Nafis, head of MUI's Islamic preaching division, said the organizers and those responsible for Sunday's event must be held accountable under the law.

"In Indonesia, gender alteration is prohibited, and such a contest demonstrates a blatant defiance," Cholil told BTV on Tuesday, noting that the contest was held without a permit.

Regarding the participants, Cholil said they must "undergo medical treatment" for their "mental or physical defects."

"We must help them return to their true gender," he added.

Cholil emphasized that Islam recognizes only two genders: male and female.

"This principle is reflected in various aspects of our lives, such as the [Islamic] rules of inheritance and the legitimacy of a marriage," he said.

Jakarta Police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi said on Wednesday that the police will summon the organizers of the event to seek clarification. Ade confirmed that there was no prior notification to the police about the beauty contest.

Internet users previously posted pictures and photos from the Miss Beauty Star Indonesia 2024 event held at a hotel in the Sawah Besar area, Central Jakarta. 

A participant claiming to represent Aceh province was announced as the contest winner, triggering harsh comments from Internet users in the predominantly Muslim province.