Arozak Salam (Ozak) was born and raised in Indonesia. His journey of self-discovery began in 2010, when he was appointed as a youth ambassador for the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP). This pivotal experience motivated him to make a transformative decision in 2011: relocating to Australia to establish a new life from the ground up.

 

Relocating to Australia from a developing country was markedly different from the experiences portrayed in the "Eat Pray Love" film and book. Initially, Ozak’s immigration journey was limited to an 18-month temporary visa. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ozak ultimately achieved Permanent Residence and Australian citizenship. His experiences of settling in Australia are detailed in his memoir, “I Am That Unicorn – Memoir of an Indonesian Queer,” which is available at local bookstores and can also be ordered online here.

 

Ozak's enduring passion for singing complements his writing, as he has devoted himself to music since his teenage years. He showcased his vocal talent as part of a band in Indonesia and gained exposure by performing at local gigs. After relocating to Australia, he embraced opportunities to busk in public spaces and cafes, further honing his craft. In 2016, Ozak released the single "Like A Unicorn," which served as a heartfelt dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community in Indonesia, a group facing heightened government oppression at that time. In early 2024, he completed an intensive DJ course at the Sydney DJ School, subsequently earning a place in Australia's largest DJ competition, YourShot. During the five-week mentorship, he collaborated with notable Sydney DJs and participated in a music industry workshop that featured guest speaker Tiger Lily. Ozak adopted the DJ stage name Java Jaxx, and his exceptional performance in the competition earned him an honourable mention, standing out among hundreds of aspiring DJs. Java Jaxx's musical style is characterised by Tribal House and Circuit House. Selected footage of his DJ sets is available for listening here.

 

The performing arts have enabled Ozak to embrace his alter ego, Tess OZteron. He has performed as a burlesque dancer in cities such as Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, as well as in Europe. Tess OZteron was crowned Mr. Boylesque Perth 2016 and represented Australia that same year at the Vienna Boylesque Festival 2016. Some footage from his boylesque performances is available here here.

 

As a performer, Ozak has collaborated with a variety of photographers on diverse photoshoots, encompassing creative campaigns and the documentation of his fitness journey. Selected outcomes from these sessions are available for viewing here.