Latest news with #MissIndonesia
Arab News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Miss Indonesia contestant removed from pageant after pro-Israel video
JAKARTA: A Miss Indonesia contestant has been removed from the pageant after a video showing her waving the Israeli flag went viral, sparking backlash in a country that has long stood in solidarity with Palestine. Merince Kogoya, who was set to represent the province of Highland Papua at the Miss Indonesia finals on July 9, was dropped from the competition last week after the video from May 2023 gained traction on social media. The clip, which shows Kogoya dancing with the Israeli flag, sparked outrage among Indonesians and prompted pageant organizers to quietly remove Kogoya from the competition. She was replaced with Karmen Anastasya, a runner-up from the same province. On Monday, Kogoya posted on Instagram — where her bio reads 'I stand with Israel' — that she was replaced due to 'public comments,' referring to the backlash she faced. 'My two-year-old video reel was widely shared with various misinterpretations about my beliefs,' she wrote. 'I am also conveying my apology to the Highland Papua family, I have tried to give my best but the fact is that @missindonesia's decision was taken based on comments that were not in line with my beliefs.' Kogoya did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Arab News. Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, has long been a staunch supporter of Palestine, as its people and government see Palestinian statehood as mandated by their own constitution, which calls for the abolition of colonialism. The Southeast Asian nation has no diplomatic relations with Israel, and the Indonesian government has repeatedly called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders. Hundreds and thousands of Indonesians across the country have rallied in solidarity with Palestine since the beginning of Israel's onslaught on Gaza in October 2023, while they also take part in mass boycotts of products and companies linked to Israel. To date, Israel has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians and wounded over 133,000 others. The true death toll is feared to be much higher, with research published in The Lancet medical journal in January estimated an underreporting of deaths by 41 percent. The study also takes into account the possibility of a higher death toll, as it does not include deaths caused by starvation, injury and lack of access to healthcare, caused by Israeli forces' destruction of most of Gaza's infrastructure and the blocking of medical and food aid.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Merince Kogoya? Miss Indonesia 2025 contestant kicked out amid outcry over pro-Israel video
Miss Indonesia 2025 contestant Merince Kogoya's two year-old video about endorsing Israel reappeared on social media, leading to her disqualification. Miss Indonesia contestant Merince Kogoya was disqualified after a two-year-old video endorsing Israel resurfaced, sparking outrage in the pro-Palestinian country. Highland Papua representative Kogoya was removed from the pageant during the quarantine period after her old video went viral on social media. Kogoya can be seen dancing while waving an Israeli flag in the video, which was purportedly taken while she was studying overseas. 'Diligent for Sion, loyal to Jerusalem, standing for Israel,' the translated caption of the video read. Kogoya immediately faced intense backlash because Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, has no diplomatic ties with Israel and is an ardent supporter of Palestine. The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, stated in May that his country would be open to establishing diplomatic relations with the Jewish state 'once Israel recognizes Palestine.' Pro-Palestinian sentiments are quite prominent in Indonesia, where thousands of people participate in large-scale demonstrations against Israel, raising Palestinian flags in support. Also Read: Ivanka Trump's hubby Jared Kushner's eight-word demand at Bezos lavish Venice wedding revealed: 'She'd like to…' Miss Indonesia 2025 yet to issue any statement The pageant's organizers discreetly eliminated Kogoya from the contest due to to the outcry over her video, replacing her with Karmen Anastasya, her province's first runner-up, as per The Jakarta Globe. However, the Miss Indonesia organization has not provided any statement on Kogoya's disqualification. Netizens respond Expressing rage and disappointment over her video, one X user wrote: 'By considering the genocide committed by Israel as merely a religious conflict, she has already shown she doesn't meet the bare minimum for Miss Indonesia, who must have broad knowledge. No morals or empathy, even though in this day and age there's plenty of information, yet she chooses to think that way,' as per an online translation. 'What kind of competition is this? A competition to be supporters of the TERRORIST Hamas? So dumb, ' another wrote showing support for Kogoya. Merince Kogoya reacts to criticism According to reports, Kogoya responded to the outrage by claiming in an Instagram Story on Monday that the video was not political but rather reflected her Christian beliefs. She wrote, 'I was simply practicing my faith as a follower of Christ by praying and offering blessings, but an old video from my reels went viral with many false interpretations about my beliefs.' Meanwhile, social media commenters pointed out, her Instagram bio still featured the phrase "I stand with Israel" at the moment. In October 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,100 people and taking 251 hostage, sparking the beginning of the war on Gaza. Over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli war so far, the local health ministry reported.
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Miss Indonesia disqualifies contestant over pro-Israel video
A Miss Indonesia 2025 contestant was disqualified after a two-year-old video showing her expressing support for Israel resurfaced on social media. Merince Kogoya, representing Highland Papua, was removed from the pageant during the quarantine phase after the video went viral on social media over the weekend. The video, reportedly recorded during Kogoya's time studying abroad, shows her holding and waving an Israeli flag while dancing. The caption, translated online, reads: 'Diligent for Sion, loyal to Jerusalem, standing for Israel.' Kogoya faced immediate backlash after the video went viral in Indonesia as the world's most populous Muslim nation is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic relations with Israel. In May this year, Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto said that his nation would be willing to establish diplomatic ties with the Jewish state 'once Israel recognises Palestine '. Public sentiment in Indonesia is strongly pro‑Palestinian and thousands of people join mass rallies and display Palestinian flags in solidarity. The outrage over Kogoya's video led the pageant's organisers to quietly remove her from the competition and replace her with Karmen Anastasya, the first runner-up from her province, according to The Jakarta Globe. The Miss Indonesia Organisation didn't issue a statement about Kogoya's disqualification. 'By considering the genocide committed by Israel as merely a religious conflict, she has already shown she doesn't meet the bare minimum for Miss Indonesia, who must have broad knowledge. No morals or empathy, even though in this day and age there's plenty of information, yet she chooses to think that way,' an X commentator said, according to an online translation. Responding to the backlash, Kogoya reportedly posted an Instagram Story on Monday insisting the video wasn't political but represented her Christian faith. 'I was simply practicing my faith as a follower of Christ by praying and offering blessings, but an old video from my reels went viral with many false interpretations about my beliefs,' she wrote. At the time, however, her Instagram bio still displayed the phrase 'I stand with Israel' as social media commentators noted. At least 74 people were killed in Gaza besieged Palestinian territory 20 months into the war. Additionally, local health authorities said at least 66 children had died from malnutrition caused by the Israeli war and blockade. The war on Gaza began after over 1,100 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023. The Israeli war has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians thus far, according to the local health ministry, displaced almost the entire population of 2.2 million and plunged the territory into a humanitarian crisis.
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
A world of beauty, an ode to Telangana
HYDERABAD: The Miss World finale burst to life with a whirlwind of colour as contestants from the Americas, Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania claimed the catwalk, radiating national pride with every stride. This global procession painted the stage with unity and diversity before the curtain briefly fell for the interlude of advertisements. Returning to the stage in a tribute to Telangana, contestants dazzled in traditional handwoven attire designed by Archana Kochhar. The ensembles, crafted in real zari and signature ikat, celebrated India's rich textile legacy. The panel of judges was then introduced: philanthropist Sudha Reddy, actor Rana Daggubati, senior bureaucrat Jayesh Ranjan, Miss World CEO Julia Morley, Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, actors Namrata Shirodkar and Sonu Sood and dancer Donna Walsh. Soon after, the top 10 contestants from each continent were announced. Sudha Reddy was felicitated for her philanthropic contributions. One of the evening's standout moments followed, with the 'Beauty with a Purpose' award going to Miss Indonesia, Monica Kezia Sembiring, for her initiative to clean contaminated water. As excitement built, the top five from each continent were revealed. Then, adding star power to the evening, actor Jacqueline Fernandez lit up the stage with a high-energy dance performance. Next came the announcement of the top two finalists from each continent. Each delivered a short speech on why they deserved the Miss World Continental title.
The Print
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Miss World contestants showcase their brilliance in Talent Grand Finale, Miss Indonesia tops contest
Miss Indonesia, with piano music, topped the contest, followed by Miss Cameroon (singing) and Miss Italy (balllet dance), an official release said. From piano music to the Bollywood hit number 'Dhol Baje', the beauty contestants captivated the audience with their brilliance during the event. Hyderabad, May 22 (PTI) The Miss World 2025 contestants lit up the stage with their mesmerising performances during the Talent Grand Finale event on Thursday. Miss India Nandini Gupta stole the show with her performance of the 'Dhol Baje' song from the film 'Ram Leela'. The 24 contestants dazzled the audience by performing a Telugu song 'Ranu Bombayki Ranu'. Earlier in the day, the Miss World contestants got a taste of Telangana's rich cultural heritage during a visit to state-run 'Shilparamam' arts and crafts village here, where they immersed themselves in traditional art forms such as pottery, painting, and folk dance. Nestled in the heart of Hyderabad's bustling IT hub, Shilparamam is a unique crafts village envisioned to preserve and celebrate India's diverse artisanal legacy. Created as a haven for traditional arts, crafts, folklore, and cultural performances, it offers a harmonious blend of rural charm and environmental architecture. The Miss World delegates explored the vibrant artisan stalls and took a curated walk through the Village Museum, which displays life-sized models of traditional Indian homes and rural lifestyles. The breezy morning provided the perfect setting for the visit, with melodious flute and mridangam performances by local artistes adding to the festive atmosphere. While some participants tried their hand at pottery and painting, others interacted with children dressed as Lord Krishna and his Gopis (companions). Other contestants immersed themselves in the intricate process of Cheriyal mask painting – a vivid and rare folk-art tradition unique to Telangana. A few participants opted for basket weaving using natural fibres and learning age-old techniques passed down through generations. These 10–15-minute sessions offered the delegates a rare, tactile connection to India's enduring craft heritage and highlighted the precision, patience, and artistry that define each medium. Several beauty queens also joined local women, grooving to Kolatam, a folk art typically performed during temple festivals. One of the most touching moments of the visit was a brief but joyful participation in 'Bathukamma', the floral festival intrinsic to Telangana's cultural identity. The contestants joined in the traditional dance around carefully arranged flower stacks, celebrating the essence of womanhood and community. Adding a meaningful dimension to the visit, the delegates interacted with the members of women Self Help Groups (SHGs), who have been empowered through skill-based livelihoods centred around indigenous crafts. A brief presentation showcased the impact of these women-led initiatives in sustaining traditional crafts and uplifting local economy. As a gesture of appreciation and cultural exchange, handcrafted gift hampers were presented to each contestant. The visitors were also introduced to 'Haridasus', folk singers in distinctive attire who sing devotional songs during the harvest festival of Sankranti. Later, the Miss World contestants visited the Telangana government's social welfare residential school at the Victoria Home here, a Nizam-era palace, and interacted with the students there. The contestants exhorted the students to dream big and work hard to realise them. They joined the students in the cultural programmes performed on the occasion. The Miss World 2025 pageant kicked off with a grand ceremony in Hyderabad on May 10 and will continue until May 31. Leveraging the event, the Telangana government devised an elaborate action plan to showcase the state as a hub of tourism and investment. As part of this vision, the contestants toured major attractions across the state, including the iconic Charminar here, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district, famous Narasimha temple in Yadagirigutta and a 700-year-old Banyan tree in neighbouring Mahabubnagar district. PTI SJR SJR KH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
