NusaBali reports that “Senator” Shri I Gusti Ngurah Arya Wedakarna Mahendradatta Suyasa III – popularly known by the initials AWK- a high-profile member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) representing Bali, has been summoned to appear before an Ethics Committee following a flood of complaints alleging improper behavior in connection with his recent trip to Thailand.
Hasby Yusuf, Chairman of the Ethics Committee of the DPD RI, stated that various parties—including traditional leaders, religious figures, and community leaders—have filed complaints against AWK. The board’s leadership subsequently met and decided to summon AWK to explain his recent attendance at an LGBT+ event in Thailand.
News of AWK’s attendance and official participation at the Miss Equality World 2026 event in Bangkok, Thailand, has gone viral. Miss Equility World is an international beauty pageant that highlights humanitarian issues and gender equality, particularly within the transgender community. The event, first held in Bali in 2022, aims to campaign for equality, an end to discrimination against transgender individuals, and support personal self-acceptance.
Attending the finals for Miss Equality World in late August in Thailand, AWK dressed in a traditional Balinese costume, appeared briefly on stage to accept an award of appreciation from the event’s organizers,
Hasby confirmed that AWK has been summoned to appear before the Ethics-Honor Council (BK DPD RI) in the second week of September 2026. AWK has reportedly agreed to personally appear in response to the summons.
The BK DPD RI also intends to invite the complainants to hear their accounts. Hasby explained that this step ensures the board receives a balanced and comprehensive explanation from both sides. The Council has noted that AWK has already clarified via social media that he attended the Bangkok event in a personal capacity—and as a cultural and tourism figure—rather than as a Senator representing the DPD RI. Hasby stated that the summons would now proceed to seek official confirmation.
According to Hasby, the status of a DPD RI Member also attaches to the Senator’s every public action and activity that must be held to a high standard of ethical propriety that upholds the dignity of the office. DPR RI members are expected to safeguard the legislative body’s image and reputation, even when acting in a personal capacity.
”Being a DPD RI member means upholding the standards of the office’s dignity in every public sphere,” Hasby said. In addition to matters surrounding AWK’s attendance at Miss Equality World 2026, the Ethics Council (BK) of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) is also investigating complaints alleging racially charged behavior involving AWK in an incident between a woman and a tailor in Bali. According to Hasby, AWK has been reported in connection with this matter by several community representatives from Jakarta, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The process is underway, and the BK DPD RI has conducted field visits to gather statements and information regarding the issue. The BK DPD RI also intends to seek direct statements from AWK and other relevant parties to gain a more detailed perspective and ensure that any future decision is fair.
”We do not wish to infringe upon the rights of the DPD member, yet we must also safeguard and protect the rights of the public. Therefore, we need comprehensive information so that the decision does not favor or shield any specific group, but remains neutral,” explained Hasby, a Senator representing North Maluku.
Responding to the summons from the BK DPD RI, the DPD RI member from Bali, “Senator” Shri I Gusti Ngurah Arya Wedakarna Mahendradatta Wedasteraputra Suyasa—commonly known as Arya Wedakarna (AWK)—has confirmed his readiness to appear before the Ethics Council (BK) to provide explanations and clarifications.
AWK emphasized that, as a member of the DPD RI, he is prepared to comply with all applicable internal mechanisms and regulations. “Yes, as a good and law-abiding member, I am certainly ready. We must appreciate this, as the BK forum provides a good opportunity to explain and clarify all matters at hand,” said Arya Wedakarna, speaking to NusaBali on Friday, 04 September 2026.
According to AWK, he is no stranger to the DPD RI’s internal mechanisms. Having served as a DPD RI member for three terms since 2014, he stated that he fully understands the institution’s procedures and protocols. “As a DPD RI member serving three terms since 2014, I certainly understand the existing internal mechanisms. I previously served as a member of the BK myself, so I am familiar with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP),” he said.
AWK views the BK forum as a constructive space for opening communication and providing direct explanations regarding the various issues and information currently circulating. He also views the process as part of the effort to maintain good relationships and communication among members of the DPD RI.
“It is actually good for fostering rapport and serving as a communication forum among Indonesian Senators. God willing, we are ready to attend,” he asserted.
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