Artika proud to reach top 15<\/p>\n
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok<\/p>\n
Miss Indonesia Artika Sari Devi was Asia's only representative
\nwhen the names of Miss Universe 2005 15 semifinalists were
\nannounced at the finals here on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The semifinalists were dominated by contestants from northern
\nand Latin American countries.<\/p>\n
"I was very surprised. It was stunning for me to be in the
\nlast 15," Artika told Indonesian reporters.<\/p>\n
"It was such an honor to represent Asian women in the final.
\nAnd more than that, I am here to represent my country," she said.<\/p>\n
For Artika, being in the last 15 was such a great achievement
\nalthough some would decry her very participation. "This
\nachievement is not only for me but also the rest of the nation."<\/p>\n
In reference to the controversy in her country over pageants,
\nshe added, "As I have followed all the process here, I know for
\nsure that there is no such thing as a body-measurement session as
\ncomplained by some groups back home."<\/p>\n
Artika decided to join the pageant virtually at the last
\nminute before the pageant started on May 13.<\/p>\n
"I know that there are some groups who oppose my participation
\nin the pageant but again I am representing Indonesia here.
\nHowever, I respect their opposition."<\/p>\n
Artika is the first Indonesian to fully participate in the
\nannual beauty pageant with her participation at the swimsuit
\nsession during the presentation on May 25. Earlier attendants
\nwere "observers" as their organizers bowed to pressure back home
\nagainst Indonesia's participation in a contest parading women's
\nbodies. In the swimwear session Artika wore a one-piece swimsuit,
\nas did contestants from Bahamas, China, Mauritius, U.S. Virgin
\nIslands and Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
Indonesia last participated in 1996 was Alya Rohali, now a
\npopular TV host, joined the pageant as an observer without
\njoining the swimsuit session.<\/p>\n
Artika also said she was struck by a text message she received
\njust before the finals, which said nude pictures of her were
\ncirculating on the Internet.<\/p>\n
"I tried to be strong. I can assure you the pictures were not
\nof me." Given tight security and the tight schedule she managed
\nto meet her family backstage before the finals, for just 10
\nminutes.<\/p>\n
Although she was happy to be in top 15, Artika said that she
\nwas expecting more support especially from the government.<\/p>\n
"Actually, the participation in this pageant is a good
\nopportunity to promote the country more. It's quite sad, most of
\nthe contestants do not know where Indonesia is. They think
\nIndonesia is part of Bali," she said.<\/p>\n
She was also referring to other contestants who had groups of
\nsupporters flying their national flags, blowing whistles and
\nbeating drums to show their support.<\/p>\n
After all this, Artika said she would return to her study to
\nget a master degree in notary studies at the Gadjah Mada
\nUniversity in Yogyakarta, adding she hopes to work for the
\nNational Commission for Children Protection (Komnas PA).<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, former education minister Wardiman Djojonegoro said
\nhe was very happy with Artika entering top 15 as the Putri
\nIndonesia Foundation did not set a specific target for her
\nparticipation.<\/p>\n
"But from what I hear, Artika is very popular here not only
\namong the contestants but also the Thais," he said. "Perhaps her
\nonly weakness is the fact that she was among the shortest among
\ncontestants. This is very visible on stage."<\/p>\n
Wardiman, however, was upbeat that Artika's success would lead
\nto more talented Indonesian young women applying for the Putri
\nIndonesia pageant as well as better support and sponsors.<\/p>\n
While host Thailand may be disappointed as Miss Thailand
\nChananporn Rosjan did not make it into the semifinals, Chananporn
\ndid get the Best National Costume competition on May 24.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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