RI allowed to join Miss Universe

RI allowed to join Miss Universe

JAKARTA: The government gave the green light on Thursday for
Indonesia's participation in the next Miss Universe contest as
long as it promoted a good image of the country.

State Minister for Women's Empowerment Sri Redjeki Soemaryoto
said the government would allow any kind of public efforts to
boost the country's image. If joining the Miss Universe event
could help, then it should be no problem, according to the
minister.

"As long as it is conducted in accordance with Indonesia's
customs, I do not see it as a problem. People could join the
event," Sri told The Jakarta Post, after attending a Cabinet
meeting.

"It is not a matter of whether or not the government would
support it, but if it is good for the country's image we will
allow it," she remarked.

Indonesia joined the Miss Universe contest in 1994, sending
Miss Indonesia Indira Sudiro to the event. However, it sparked
criticism from the government that resulted in the suspension of
further participation.

A cosmetic manufacturer continued to sponsor the Miss
Indonesia contest, but did not send an entrant to the Miss
Universe pageant. A winner once took part only as a observer.-- JP