Pagaralam, South Sumatra – A beauty contest for transvestites has become the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) latest target.

The contest was held Saturday by a local legislative body leader contesting another term in the April 9 elections, at Nandagung City Hall in Pagaralam, South Sumatra.

Pagaralam MUI chairman Deni Priansyah said such a contest could tarnish the image of the regency as an Islamic-nuanced tourist area.

"People in this city highly respect ethical and religious values, so the transvestite contest seemed to be in violation of such norms," Deni said Sunday as quoted by state Antara news agency.

He called on legislative candidates to carry out campaign activities that would set "good examples" for local people, particularly among youths.

Similar criticisms were also lodged by local community leader Demyati Rais, who said such an event was "not proper" to be held in the mainly Muslim town of Pagaralam.