Sexual Harassment Rock Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 Pageant
Disturbing claims surface regarding inappropriate conduct towards Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 finalists, as the beauty pageant takes an unsettling turn.
In a disconcerting turn of events, the glitz and glamour of the Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 pageant have been marred by allegations of sexual harassment against several finalists. As the nation watches in shock, details unfold, casting a pall over the esteemed competition.
A Troubling Revelation
Rio Wibowo, recognized as Miss Universe Indonesia's Visual Director, found himself catapulted into a grim scenario on a Tuesday evening in August. It was a phone call from fellow colleague Sally Giovanny, Miss Universe Bali Province Director, that ignited the unfolding crisis.
Sally's impassioned protestations centered on the explicit nude photo shoots of multiple Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 finalists. Urgently, the plea was raised to delete these images to stymie any impending dissemination.
These unsettling photo sessions unfolded surreptitiously in the corners of the Sari Pacific Hotel Ballroom, where approximately 30 finalists from Indonesian provinces had participated in a photographic session. The controversy emanated from committee members' conduct, who allegedly photographed the young women in their underwear during body-checking sessions.
Shockingly, further claims emerged, accusing these individuals of subjecting the contestants to verbal bullying.
The repercussions of these allegations were immediate. Rio confronted Miss Universe Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Hendrapraja, whose involvement in the controversial sessions had been reported.
After a heated exchange, Sarah ultimately agreed to delete the compromising photographs she had taken using her cellphone. Despite this action, the looming question remained whether the images had already been shared elsewhere.
Sarah, in turn, has vehemently denied these accusations through her social media channels. In her position as an operations manager guiding finalists through the quarantine process, these allegations have thrown a shadow of doubt over her conduct.
Survivor Testimonies Unveiled
During that period, Sarah held the role of operations manager, entrusted with overseeing the contestants during their quarantine phase leading up to the grand final stage. A haunting testimony emerges from one of the finalists, Lola Nadya Larasari Pasaribu from Bali, who bravely stepped forward to accuse Sarah of inflicting emotional distress through personal taunts.
"You have a bad figure," Lola recounted, her voice laced with the pain of recollection, as she mimicked Sarah's derogatory words spoken in English during an examination.
Lola's harrowing ordeal occurred as the first in line for the examination session. At 2:00 PM, she was ushered into a chamber measuring 4 by 4 meters, its walls constructed of bulkhead board. Within awaited six individuals, two of whom were men.
Sarah, the central figure of these allegations, demanded that Lola disrobe, leaving only her panties. Hesitation hung in the air, stemming from the room's potential visibility to passersby.
In a vulnerable state, Lola stood nearly nude as Sarah approached, her inquiry veering into invasive territory concerning Lola's pubic hair. The discomfort intensified as Sarah instructed Lola to turn around.
Within moments, the situation took an even darker turn as Sarah retrieved a cellphone and captured images of various parts of Lola's body.
Lola had asked what the photos were for. "For a report to my superior," the Bali finalist recounted Sarah's words, her voice tinged with uncertainty, Sarah refrained from identifying the superior in question.
Tragically, similar experiences unfolded for four other finalists, revealing a pattern of unsettling behavior. Some were subjected to demeaning requests such as riding and lifting a leg onto a chair, subjected to bullying in the process.
The most profound impact was felt by Natasha Keniraras (@natkenira) from East Java, who faced the agony of being photographed naked by Sarah. This traumatic episode has left her paralyzed with fear, rendering her unable to venture into public spaces since the incident unfolded.
A Call for Justice
Seeking redress and justice, a lawyer representing the concerned finalists, Melissa Anggraini, has filed complaints with law enforcement. These reports encompass allegations of sexual harassment and violation of the Sexual Violence Criminal Act.
While authorities assess the violations and procedural discrepancies, the fallout from this controversy has led to the revocation of the pageant's license by the Miss Universe Organization.
As the nation grapples with this sobering saga, internal upheaval within the organizing committee further underscores the gravity of the situation. The resignation of key figures, including Beauty Director Slam Wiyono and Chief Executive Officer Eldwen Budi Haryono Wang, leaves an indelible mark on this year's event.
Amidst the turmoil, the victims now find themselves subjected to a new form of torment - online cyberbullying. Siti Aminah Tardi, a member of the National Commission on Violence against Women, has highlighted the insidious nature of this secondary assault, amplifying the psychological toll on the survivors.
In a time of introspection and reckoning, Miss Universe Indonesia finds itself at a critical juncture. This chapter serves as a stark reminder that even in the world of glitz and glamour, the pursuit of justice, respect, and dignity must remain unwavering.
As the nation watches, the future of the pageant hangs in the balance, and the survivors' voices echo with a resounding call for change.
- Photo source: Tirto
- Article source: Tempo Magazine
