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