Smart and charming, Putri, represents a nation that thrives in diversity. Although Indonesia is yet to win a crown (thanks largely to the now-repelled law prohibiting Indonesians to participate in beauty pageants), it is poised to make a splash. Putri is determined to bring honor to her country. With such a gleaming beauty, winning the Miss Universe crown is the best way for Putri to do it.
Please tell us about yourself, where you grew up and your hobbies.
My name is Putri (first name), and Raemawasti (last name); shortened as Putri. I am 21 years old. I am currently a fourth level student at the Surabaya Institute of Technology majoring in Industrial Technology.
I was born and raised in a family with strong Javanese culture and traditions. My father believes that the spirit of nationalism could be introduced to youngsters by taking them to see and to appreciate hero’s monuments as well as historical sites in the country. When I was in the elementary school, my parents used to take me and my younger brother to those monuments and historical sites.
My hobbies are doing aerobics, jogging, swimming, dancing (Javanese traditional dances with modern modification), reading articles on Psychology, and doing social works; particularly in distributing goods collected by my church for the poorest and the disabled.
What are your current preparations for Miss Universe 2008?
My current preparations for Miss Universe 2008 include physical fitness that involves Pilates, Yoga, and diet. This is to maintain my body weight. I am also attending class on personality, learning Papuan dance since Papuan costume will be my national costume, knowing basic information on Vietnam; on global warming and other international issues.
There are some people in Indonesia who are against beauty pageants. What is your reaction to this?
Indonesia is a democratic country. We appreciate different views and opinions as long as those differences are put forward in democratic ways.
Do you think that beauty pageants disrespect women?
I do not think that beauty pageants disrespect women since the judgment is based not solely on physical beauty, but intellectuality and inner beauty as well. The criteria of 3-Bs, beauty, brain and behavior are the criteria in our beauty pageant contest, in line with the criteria used by the Miss Universe.
Could you tell us how were you selected as Miss Indonesia ?
After I won the title of Miss Blitar in the pageant contest held in my hometown Blitar, I won the title as Miss East Java in the beauty pageant contest at provincial level in Surabaya. Representing East Java Province, I was sent for the beauty pageant contest at national level in Jakarta, which I won too.
What beauty tips would you like to share?
Beauty should be equipped with knowledge and good behavior, which we called inner beauty and good manners. When we are young, our physical beauty will stand out, but as we grow older, our physical beauty will be diminishing and the inner beauty enriched with wisdom from the experiences in life, will shine out as charm. I believe that charm is the highest form of beauty, which lasts until the end of one’s life.
How would you describe Indonesia to your fellow contestants?
Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state in the world, with a total area of nearly 2000 sq kilometers, stretching from the tip of Malay Peninsula eastward to the Philippines and Australia. The archipelago consist of about 17,500 islands, inhabited by 225 millions people with 300 distinct ethnic groups; speak 700 different languages and dialects, and yet exist as one strong Indonesian nation alongside with the maintained regional identities. The Bahasa Indonesia is the lingua franca and we live harmoniously within the spirit of harmony in diversity. For this vast and beautiful country, a Dutch poet had accurately described Indonesia as “a girdle of emeralds around the equator “
I will tell my fellow contestants to visit Indonesia, to have them pampered in this paradise of the east.
What is the motto that you live by?
I believe that only courage could turn challenge into opportunity and ideas into reality.
What qualities do you think will enable you to shine at Miss Universe 2008?
I have a distinct Indonesian beauty, which will surely be different from all other contestants. I am optimistic, confident and determined to be the Miss Universe 2008.
Lastly, what is your message to the visitors of Missosology.Org?
I would suggest your visitors to visit your website regularly, since about 70% of your prediction comes true. I hope that your website will always make a balanced prediction, for all contestants from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and other regions.
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Special thanks to Mukie of Indonesian Pageants Team (www.indonesianpageants.com) and Mega Angkasa Corp. PR Manager of PT. Mustika Ratu Tbk. We wish Putri all the best at Miss Universe 2008.
