Almost Crying At The Name Change Session, Judge To Aprilia Manganang: Don't Cry, Men Can't Cry

JAKARTA - Serda Aprilia Manganang almost cried because he was happy. He admitted that he was ready to live a new life after being confirmed as a man after living as a woman due to hypospadias disorder.

This emotional moment occurred when Manganang was questioned by a judge at the Tondano District Court during a trial to change names, gender, and population documents which was held online, Friday, March 19.

Initially, Judge Nova Laura Sasube asked Manganang's feelings after undergoing corrective surgery due to his disorder.

"How did you feel after the surgery?", asked the judge during the trial.

"I am so happy now, Your Honor", replied Manganang, who attended the online trial at the Indonesian Army Headquarters, Jakarta.

After hearing the answer, the judge then allowed Manganang to explain his feelings after undergoing surgery.

Getting that opportunity, Manganang admitted that he was grateful to be able to undergo surgery after 28 years of being a woman even though he was actually a man. He even said this incident was the best moment in his entire life.

"Maybe, for 28 years I have served as a woman and I am very grateful that I was able to pass that and especially I thank the Army Chief of Staff and Mrs. Hetty Andika Perkasa, and all, the ranks of doctors, I am very grateful for my superiors' support in all that I got through it".

"Maybe this is the most beautiful moment for me", said the former athlete of the Indonesian national volleyball team.

"I want to start my life with a new one. I am turning over a new page of life", he added.

Seeing Manganang almost crying, the judge then asked Manganang not to cry and stay strong. "Don't cry. Men shouldn't cry", said the Judge.

"Sorry, Your Honor. I may have a lot to learn in the future. Maybe this is even a transition for me. I want to be a real man and be responsible in the future", Manganang replied.

In addition to proposing a gender change ratification, at the trial, Manganang through his team of attorneys also proposed a name change. The name chosen by him was Aprilio Perkasa Manganang.