Deni Apriadi Rahmat, a Lombok-based makeup artist who went viral as Sister Hong Lombok, appeared publicly on November 17, 2025. He denied accusations of religious blasphemy and sexual orientation spread on social media. Deni also shared his painful childhood story marked by disabilities.
In a press conference in Lombok, Deni Apriadi Rahmat, 23, introduced himself as a Muslim who respects his faith. He dismissed misleading narratives circulating on social media, including accusations of religious blasphemy and being a 'sodomite.' "Many narratives spread do not match reality, even accusing me of blasphemy, being a sodomite, Sister Hong from Lombok, and attributing things I did not do," he said, quoted from accounts @lambeturah and @lambeturan.
Deni refuted claims of wearing a mukena and praying like a woman in the mosque. "I respect places of worship, I respect worship procedures, and understand religious etiquette," he stated. He admitted to occasionally wearing a hijab as admiration for women's grace, not to deceive. "For me, the hijab is a symbol of women's beauty, gentleness, and honor that I have admired for years," he added.
Regarding his childhood, Deni was born with hearing impairment and suffered an accident at age 10 that worsened his health. From a young age, he lived with his grandmother because his parents worked as Indonesian migrant workers. He only completed elementary school due to bullying and losing his grandmother in sixth grade. Afterward, Deni self-taught makeup artistry via YouTube to survive. The virality affected him psychologically, leading to multiple suicide attempts.
Deni's story highlights issues of bullying and support for people with disabilities in Indonesia.