The 2008 release of the debut album Kamasutra by Yuli Rachmawati, better known as Julia Perez, included a free condom inside the packaging. This promotional decision incited immediate backlash from conservative Islamic organizations, resulting in her being banned from performing in multiple Indonesian cities and sparking national debates regarding the intersection of entertainment, morality, and public display.
Early Career and International Modeling
Born Yuli Rachmawati in Jakarta on 15 July 1980, she pursued early secretarial training at the InterStudi Secretarial Academy. Her trajectory shifted after moving to the Netherlands to work for a furniture firm. Following her marriage to French model Damien Perez in 2002, she began modeling for FHM and Maxim, earning a spot among the 100 Sexiest Women in the World.
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After returning to Indonesia, she transitioned into acting when a director recruited her during a casting session for a soap opera. She gained notoriety through roles in late-night comedy programs and her portrayal of a lifeguard in the series Penjaga Pantai. Alongside her film work, she established a significant career as a dangdut singer, despite ongoing tensions with conservative groups over her public persona.
Political Engagement
Her political activities often blended celebrity culture with national issues. In 2010, she was approached by multiple parties to run for Regent of Pacitan, a bid she ultimately abandoned. Later, she publicly supported Joko Widodo for the 2014 presidency and championed Basuki Tjahaja Purnama during the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election, citing his efforts to address urban infrastructure and local flooding.
Personal Life and Education
Following her divorce from Damien Perez in 2010, she married Gaston Castaño in Sydney on 26 September 2013; the marriage ended in divorce in 2016. Amidst her professional endeavors, she committed to her academic development, successfully earning a Bachelor of Law degree from Universitas Bung Karno in 2015. She died in Jakarta on 10 June 2017 at the age of 37.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 July 1980, Jakarta
- Died: 10 June 2017, Jakarta
- Education: Bachelor of Law, Universitas Bung Karno
- First Marriage: Damien Perez, 7 October 2002
- Second Marriage: Gaston Castaño, 26 September 2013
- Film/Music Career Began: circa 2002
- Chess Ambassador: All Indonesia Chess Association, 2006
- Cause of death: Cervix uterine cancer
Questions readers ask
What was the controversy surrounding her debut album?
Her 2008 album Kamasutra included a free condom, which prompted bans from conservative religious organizations in several Indonesian cities.
Did she have a background in sports?
Yes, she founded the Champions Soccer School in Jakarta in 2010 and served as an ambassador for the All Indonesia Chess Association in 2006.
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