Nadhifa Putri, Jakarta – A transvestite made up in garish dress joined with buskers demonstrating at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) against the draft bylaw on pubic order that has attracted so much controversy.

The demonstration, which was also joined by some 20 street peddlers and buskers was held in front of the DPRD building on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta on Friday September 21.

The transvestite, who was wearing dark sunglasses, a black blouse and trousers with garish makeup could be seen enthusiastically shouting “The provincial government doesn’t care about poor communities!”. The buskers meanwhile continued to sing accompanied with by drums.

The protesters also unfurled a banner with the writing “The Provincial Government-DPRD-Political Parties are fascist and anti-poor” and “Reject the anti-poor bylaw”.

Marlo Sitompul, the general chairperson of the Urban Poor Union (SRMK) said that the public order bylaw only sides with the interest of the business class but fails to address the interests of the middle class.

“We will be hit by its impact like traders, so [we] won’t be able to seek an income. We will continue to hold actions. If this bylaw is ratified there will be conflict and it will give rise to ongoing strife”, said Sitompul in a speech.

Sitompul called on the DPRD to discuss the issue and seek a solution. (aan/nrl)

[Translated by James Balowski.]