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!