There is little question that Indonesia has a momentum at Miss Universe and in general, at the Big5 pageants. For example, Indonesia landed on its highest placement at Miss World recently – a second princess finish. This is after a series of semis finish at the pageant which started in 2011 (although in 2014 Maria Asteria Rahajeng managed only a Top 25 finish).
At Miss Universe, the momentum started a bit late – in 2011 – but the placement is pretty consistent. What the trajectory suggests is that a Top 5 finish will soon materialize or even the crown! Missosology compiled the 5 compelling reasons why Indonesia should win the Miss Universe crown soon.
1.) It is a vast and largely untapped market. The pageantry industry in Indonesia is relatively young and thus haven’t grown into its full potential yet. With a steady and growing economy and a large population of 250 million most of which are under 30, the country will be one of the major economies of the world in the next 50 years. If Miss Universe wants a room to grow and engage millions of dynamic customers, Indonesia is a place to go. Right now, sponsorship money from this country is already sizable. Imagine an Indonesian Miss Universe and the sponsorship money that will follow!
2.) Puteri Indonesia, the franchise holder of Miss Universe, is a progressive organization. It innovates and listens to the trends. It pursues what works and it is not an obstinate national organization where it does not listen to the clamor of the general public. The organization is also headed by an Indonesian so one can feel the passion on what they do because after all, all the labor is for the love of the country. From national costumes, to wardrobes, Puteri Indonesia wants to promote local brand names at the world stage. However, it is not afraid to seek foreign expertise when the need arises. The organization – as pointed out in our previous article – is also managed by humble and approachable people.
3.) An Indonesian Miss Universe, no matter what is her religion, can send a powerful message that Islam and pageantry are compatible. After all Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, the vast majority which practices the moderate form of Islam. The country have sent Muslim girls like Qory Sandioriva (who actually represented the ultra-conservation Aceh province at the nationals) and just recently, Anindya Putri who are not afraid to go public on a swimsuit. An Indonesian Miss Universe, particularly if she is a Muslim, will truly be historic.
4.) There is a growing interest in pageantry in Indonesia and it is usually under-appreciated. Indonesian fans can equally be passionate and very active. Miss Universe will find this country a welcoming place especially if it is looking for a fantastic host city. Miss World successfully tapped the passion of Indonesians towards pageantry by staging its 2013 edition in Bali. Miss Universe can tap that too and what could encourage Indonesia more in hosting the pageant than having an Indonesian Miss Universe! And imagine what Jakarta would look like if ever a homecoming parade will materialize for the first ever Miss Universe winner from Indonesia?
5.) And finally, one of the compelling reasons why Indonesia should soon have a Miss Universe winner is because Puteri Indonesia conducts its national pageant with full regard to their country’s geography and diversity. Looking at the list of contestants, one can instantly realize that the contestants are truly representative of the whole nation. It follows the same approach as Russia, Brazil, the United States and India (and all of these countries already won Miss Universe). At Puteri Indonesia, there are contestants representing the far west of the nation – Aceh – and also the the far east – Papua and Papua Barat. There are representatives from Kalimantan and Bali too! Meanwhile, other countries only concentrate in procuring candidates from major cities or from the capital regions. It is quite rather shameful that they call themselves as national pageant when vast parts of their nation are clearly unrepresented.
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