Track: Diversity and Inclusion / Women in Industry and Academia (WIIA)

Abstract

The topic is a discrimination related to e-KTP/Kartu Tanda Penduduk electronic in transpuan/transwoman circles. The Balinese used to be tolerant toward sexual marginality. A narrow re-interpretation of tradition and scriptures sometimes brings about new attitudes of repression. The government, instead of protecting transwomen as it does in advanced countries, does little. Many transpuans/transwomen originate from outside Bali and the civil registration office includes them among the “kaum rentan” fragile or marginal groups; transpuan, the gepeng/gelandangan (bums) and the mentally-ill people. Many make do without identity card (e-KTP), creating social discrimination and disruption in personal life. This article focusses on a group called the Pretty Transpuan/Warcan located in Ubung, north of Denpasar. The data shows that they are subjected to all sorts of coercion and violence. This coercion often consists of illegal fees (KIPEM as Kartu Indentitas Penduduk Musiman as migrants permit) they are requested to pay. Protection is thus an issue; some hire preman (thugs) to protect them, even though it is now rarer due to the pandemic. However, institutional steps do exist: the Disdukcapil/civil registration regency offices is registering all citizens, including the “kaum rentan”’, but does not always do it properly. Exit politics (Connell, 1995; 220) which is episodic suggests skilful actors helping transpuans to gain e-KTP registration