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Designer Iwan comes out in TV interview
JP/J
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JP/J. Adiguna
JAKARTA: Iwan Tirta usually is called upon to discuss his expertise as one of the pioneers in the field of batik design in the country. In a TV interview scheduled for tonight, however, the 74-year-old also reveals the private side of his life, including the difficulties of being gay in Indonesia.
“As far as I know, no one’s asked Iwan directly about his personal life and the struggles between the public and private man,” Metro TV host Dalton Tanonaka, who is also a columnist for The Jakarta Post WEEKENDER, was quoted as saying in a release.
“I do, and he has a lot to say.”
But the American journalist says he was not surprised by Iwan’s openness.
“I’ve always found him candid, wise and entertaining,” he says.
Although several public figures are known to be gay, there exists a tacit “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it comes to homosexuality in Indonesian society.
In recent years, gays and lesbians have become more open, especially in urban areas, although traditional stigmas persist.
Iwan, a Yale-educated lawyer, also discusses his love and cultivation of batik in the half-hour program, and gives his opinions on many public figures, from politicians to entertainers.
“Exclusive! Iwan Tirta with Dalton Tanonaka” will air on Metro TV tonight at 8 p.m., in English with Indonesian subtitles. — JP
