Indonesian Trans Women Leave Streets to Operate Laundry

Most trans women arrive in Jakarta without proper documentation, so they cannot obtain health care, social security, or jobs other than sex work, she said.

In May 2021, English began setting up the laundry remotely from her home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, after pushing through pandemic-related delays and administrative snarls. That same month she graduated magna cum laude and won the Bromer Peace Award from Hood because of her project.

English, who is fluent in Indonesian, found a suitable small space between a motorcycle wash and a building supply store in Depok. She paid a year’s rent in advance, bought a washing machine, a dryer, and other equipment, and paid for six months of utilities.

“Everything is already set up,” Mami Yuli said of the “miracle” laundromat that opened in August. “We just have to operate the business.”

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English says she is “happy that I’m in the position to help others. It makes my life more meaningful.”

The FKWI Laundry employs three full-time workers, including Oma Dona, and several part-time workers. Each received training for operating the machines so everyone can do everything.

“Here, we cooperate. If one of us is not healthy, another takes over,” said Oma Dona.
Mami Yuli supervises the operation. “I taught them how to manage basic finances, how to maintain quality, and how to deal with customers.”

FKWI Laundry charges about 50 cents for each kilogram of clothes, enough for the workers to earn about $35 a month.

Although that’s less than the minimum wage, Oma Dona, who once worked as a waiter, said the pay works for her. “I have enough clothing and everything else,” she said. “What else do I need? Now I'm just enjoying the rest of my time in this world.”

She, like the others, finds hope and dignity in operating the business.

“It has been very positive,” said Mami Yuli. “They can take turns working. … They are no longer busking or begging on the streets, now they can contribute to something useful.”