Artika, you go girl! Forget the controversy!
Artika, you go girl! Forget the controversy!
Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post
Why is it still an issue here for a woman to take part in a
beauty pageant, which we all know are about more than just flesh
and a pretty face?
If culture is cited, what cultural norms is the woman
breaching? Go to any beach or pool in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya,
and you will find plenty of Indonesian women wearing swimsuits.
It is normal. Now, if a swimsuit-clad women poses stretched out
on a bed or straddling a motorcycle, we all pretty much have a
clue as to what that is all about.
Like it or not, Jakartans (males) have been exposed to lots of
pictures of women wearing next to nothing. It is not an uncommon
site on local TV programs and in the tabloids.
Maybe some people were just closing their eyes to the fact
that long before Artika Sari Devi took part in the Miss Universe
competition, the country had plenty of actual morality problems.
We have young people having sex, prostitution and publications
that exploit women.
The group Islam Defenders Front has publicly spoken out
against Artika and her participation in the pageant, clearly
outlining their objections. But what their protests more clearly
demonstrate is their inability truly to comprehend certain
issues.
This group, and others like it, cannot see an issue from
different perspectives and put it in its appropriate context. If
religion or spirituality was used to look at what is in front of
our eyes, so many things that go on in this country would fall
into the category of sin: the abuse of power, amassing wealth
through corruption, violating human rights and much, much more.
It would be better for the nation if those who opposed the
beauty pageant for religious reasons instead focused their
attention on officials who steal from the state coffers and
violate human rights. Why? All state officials, no matter at what
level, are required to swear on their holy book -- the Koran for
Muslims, the Bible for Christians -- that they will not abuse
their power to enrich themselves or to harm others. But what do
we do to those who violate this oath? Isn't that a serious insult
to religion?
Democracy is about encouraging and accepting freedom of
expression and differences of opinion. Artika, along with her
sponsor Yayasan Putri Indonesia, has not harmed anyone by taking
part in this prestigious event. Lots of people would prefer to
watch the pageant than news about more violence in Maluku or
another talk show on corruption.
An educated Muslim woman, Artika no doubt understands the
concept of moving forward while at the same time holding on to
your beliefs -- her body is her right.
She must also be pondering the "burdens" she will have to
shoulder if she is crowned Miss Universe -- the results will be
known on Monday -- becoming a spokeswoman for efforts to combat
humanitarian and social problems not only at home but around the
world.
Looking beyond the commercial aspects of the event, Miss
Universe possesses the righteous mission of opening the eyes of
others to the problems in the world. What Artika and Yayasan
Putri Indonesia are doing should be appreciated as a step
forward, putting Indonesia on the international stage in a
positive manner, instead of for terrorism and corruption.
This country has kept its women at home for far too long in
the name of religion and culture. (But whose culture?)
Artika deserves a pat on the shoulder for being brave enough
to follow her dreams, whether or not she is crowned Miss
Universe. So, Artika, you go girl!