Indonesian to take part in pageant for first time in years

JAKARTA: An Indonesian is taking part in the Miss Universe contest for the first time in years but she is toeing the line and promises to wear a one-piece swimsuit instead of a skimpy two-piece bikini. 

Former president Suharto’s government had banned Indonesians from participating in the Miss Universe pageant. 

It argued that such a contest was against the country’s cultural values.  

The ban was backed by conservative Muslim leaders who regarded an Indonesian Muslim participating in such an event as a national embarrassment. 

They condemned the contest because it required participants to show their bare skin. 

But current Miss Indonesia Artika Sari Devi said in Bangkok that she planned to join the swimsuit session but with a more modest outfit. 

“I will wear the one-piece swimsuit instead of the skimpy two-piece one,” the 25-year-old law graduate said. 

“It’s a great opportunity to compete in such an international competition. Wish me luck,” she added. 

Back in 1996, Miss Indonesia Alya Rohali took part in the Miss Universe event as an observer because she could not take part in the swimsuit event. 

But even that level of participation at the pageant drew protests at home. – Jakarta Post/ANN