Indonesian military seeks identity of soldier seen accompanying Arya Wedakarna in Thailand

Indonesia’s military is trying to identify the uniformed person pictured alongside Bali politician Arya Wedakarna at an event in Thailand that also featured a transgender beauty contest. The photograph circulated on social media and became linked to debate about LGBT issues.

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Regarding this matter, we are conducting an internal check and review to confirm the personnel’s identity, assignment status and the context of his presence in Thailand.

Military information center chief Major General Muhammad Nas said officials were conducting an internal check. The review aims to establish the person’s identity, assignment status and the circumstances of the soldier’s presence in Thailand. Nas said the episode would also be evaluated internally by the military.

Wedakarna said he did not attend in his capacity as a member of Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council. He said he went as a Balinese figure representing a Hindu institution. The event included an ASEAN tourism launch, an awards ceremony, an exhibition and discussions, he said.

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I came representing a Hindu institution, as a Balinese figure, so it had no connection with any position I hold.

Wedakarna said he attended the awards session and the launch of a promotional video for Bali tourism. He accepted an award as a Balinese cultural figure and said he had not known that the event would later be associated with LGBT issues. He added that he did not want to interfere with the background of those presenting the award.

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They had made a good video promoting Bali, its nature and beaches. I accepted an award as a Balinese cultural figure.

Wedakarna identified the soldier as his personal bodyguard. He said the guard accompanied him because Thailand was considered somewhat vulnerable to conflict, while his comments about the country’s security situation continued beyond the available account.

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He is indeed my personal bodyguard.