Artika proud to reach top 15

Artika proud to reach top 15

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok

Miss Indonesia Artika Sari Devi was Asia's only representative
when the names of Miss Universe 2005 15 semifinalists were
announced at the finals here on Tuesday.

The semifinalists were dominated by contestants from northern
and Latin American countries.

"I was very surprised. It was stunning for me to be in the
last 15," Artika told Indonesian reporters.

"It was such an honor to represent Asian women in the final.
And more than that, I am here to represent my country," she said.

For Artika, being in the last 15 was such a great achievement
although some would decry her very participation. "This
achievement is not only for me but also the rest of the nation."

In reference to the controversy in her country over pageants,
she added, "As I have followed all the process here, I know for
sure that there is no such thing as a body-measurement session as
complained by some groups back home."

Artika decided to join the pageant virtually at the last
minute before the pageant started on May 13.

"I know that there are some groups who oppose my participation
in the pageant but again I am representing Indonesia here.
However, I respect their opposition."

Artika is the first Indonesian to fully participate in the
annual beauty pageant with her participation at the swimsuit
session during the presentation on May 25. Earlier attendants
were "observers" as their organizers bowed to pressure back home
against Indonesia's participation in a contest parading women's
bodies. In the swimwear session Artika wore a one-piece swimsuit,
as did contestants from Bahamas, China, Mauritius, U.S. Virgin
Islands and Sri Lanka.

Indonesia last participated in 1996 was Alya Rohali, now a
popular TV host, joined the pageant as an observer without
joining the swimsuit session.

Artika also said she was struck by a text message she received
just before the finals, which said nude pictures of her were
circulating on the Internet.

"I tried to be strong. I can assure you the pictures were not
of me." Given tight security and the tight schedule she managed
to meet her family backstage before the finals, for just 10
minutes.

Although she was happy to be in top 15, Artika said that she
was expecting more support especially from the government.

"Actually, the participation in this pageant is a good
opportunity to promote the country more. It's quite sad, most of
the contestants do not know where Indonesia is. They think
Indonesia is part of Bali," she said.

She was also referring to other contestants who had groups of
supporters flying their national flags, blowing whistles and
beating drums to show their support.

After all this, Artika said she would return to her study to
get a master degree in notary studies at the Gadjah Mada
University in Yogyakarta, adding she hopes to work for the
National Commission for Children Protection (Komnas PA).

Meanwhile, former education minister Wardiman Djojonegoro said
he was very happy with Artika entering top 15 as the Putri
Indonesia Foundation did not set a specific target for her
participation.

"But from what I hear, Artika is very popular here not only
among the contestants but also the Thais," he said. "Perhaps her
only weakness is the fact that she was among the shortest among
contestants. This is very visible on stage."

Wardiman, however, was upbeat that Artika's success would lead
to more talented Indonesian young women applying for the Putri
Indonesia pageant as well as better support and sponsors.

While host Thailand may be disappointed as Miss Thailand
Chananporn Rosjan did not make it into the semifinals, Chananporn
did get the Best National Costume competition on May 24.