Jakarta. Jakarta police have addressed the controversy surrounding a transgender beauty pageant held recently at a hotel in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, after it garnered significant attention on social media.

Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro announced that the event was held without the necessary permits. "There was no authorization for this contest," he confirmed on Tuesday.

Susatyo stated that an investigation is underway, including an inspection of the hotel where the pageant occurred. "We will conduct an inspection and further investigation in collaboration with the Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP)," he added.

The pageant, featuring transgender contestants from various regions of Indonesia, went viral online and sparked public protest.

While being transgender is not a crime in the predominantly Muslim country, transgender individuals face significant legal and social challenges. The lack of comprehensive legal recognition affects their rights and access to services.