'She can tell the world we exist'<\/p>\n
For the first time in two decades, Indonesia has sent a
\ncontestant to the prestigious Miss Universe contest, being held
\nin Thailand, despite some loud protests here. This predominantly
\nMuslim country once banned all local beauty pageants and forbade
\ncitizens from competing in international pageants, regardless of
\nwhich religion the girl was, as religious rightists claim it is a
\ndisgrace to the culture and women. The Jakarta Post asked
\nresidents about their thoughts on the issue.<\/p>\n
Muhammad Satrianto, 27, is a historian specializing in the
\nIndonesian colonial period. He lives with his family in Lubang
\nBuaya, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think there will be more positive impacts with such
\nparticipation in international pageants compared to negative
\nones. For example, since reform, Indonesia has always been
\nperceived as a terrible country: full of corruption and violence.
\nTherefore, sending a participant to a world beauty pageant could
\nbe a way to show another picture of Indonesians, who also have
\nthe same intelligence as other people in the world.<\/p>\n
Since Miss Indonesia was elected through a tight competition,
\nshe is definitely a smart woman who can represent other smart
\nIndonesians.<\/p>\n
Second, she could also remind foreigners that Indonesia
\nexists. She could tell people where Indonesia is, aside from
\nBali.<\/p>\n
The negative side is that showing off beauty and intelligence
\nis not an eastern cultural norm. This country's traditional
\nvalues teach us about being humble, not showing off.<\/p>\n
However, like I said before, there are more positive impacts
\nthan negative. If Miss Indonesia participates in such a
\ncompetition, she should remember that her main task is to promote
\nthe country.<\/p>\n
Asteria Praninditya, 21, is a student at the School of
\nPsychology, University of Indonesia. She lives with her family in
\nDepok:<\/p>\n
The thing about participating in a Miss Universe pageant is
\nthat Miss Indonesia will get tons of new experience because she
\nwill meet people from around the world. She will also appear more
\nbeautiful, thanks to the help of world-class beauty experts. It
\ncould advance her career.<\/p>\n
But, due to the luxurious facilities she would enjoy and
\npopularity she would gain, she might forget her main task:
\nimproving the country's image. Worst, she could become arrogant.<\/p>\n
She would do the promotion just because she is told to, not
\nbecause she realizes how important the promotion is to help the
\ntourism industry here.<\/p>\n
Such a possibility could be overcome if she always holds on to
\nher main task, that is being the country's representative in each
\nevent she attends.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/she-can-tell-the-world-we-exist-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }