Indonesian beauty in a 'jilbab'

Indonesian beauty in a 'jilbab'

Beauty pageants around the world have been graced typically by trim, tall girls with waving long tresses, in an array of minimalist costumes or skintight outfits.

Against this backdrop, 20-year-old Andina Agustina's entrance among the 35 other finalists of the Puteri Indonesia 2004 pageant stunned and, at the same time, awed the dozens of reporters covering the annual competition on Wednesday.

"Wow, one of them is in a jilbab," a reporter remarked.

Sporting a jacket and blue jeans, Andina appeared onstage wearing a Muslim head scarf.

Andina, a native of Lhokseumawe, is representing Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province, which is regulated by sharia, or Islamic law.

Andina said she was initially not eager about taking part in the competition, but she tried anyway -- and got more than she bargained for when she reached the final round and became the first finalist of the annual pageant to wear a head scarf.

In regards this distinction, Andina said she was proud to represent her Aceh -- a province blessed with an abundance natural resources, but which has a long history of separatism.

"The conflict is still going on, just as usual... I will prove that I can also win with my head scarf," Antara quoted Andina.

Earlier, the pageant judges had decided to adjust the scoring criteria for participants wearing head scarves.

"For example, the hair style category, which is one of the most important aspects in judging, has now been altered to the skill the participant displays in coordinating a head scarf to accentuate her overall style," said Putri Kuswisnuwardhani, chairwoman of the Puteri Indonesia Foundation.

The crowning of Putri Indonesia 2004 will take place on August 6. The foundation has held the Miss Indonesia pageant since 1992 with cosmetics and skincare firm PT Mustika Ratu Tbk. -- JP