Indonesia Participates in Muss Universe 2013

Bandung, West Java (Antara) - Indonesia has sent the country's reigning beauty queen for 2013, Whulandary Herman, to attend the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Moscow, Russia. Indonesia's minister for women's empowerment Linda Amalia Sari Gumelar expressed hope here on Monday that Whulandary would preserve the country's reputation at the event. "She must preserve the country's good name as well as our norms and culture," she said. She noted if the Indonesian beauty queen for 2013 can preserve the country's reputation, norms and culture, no questions need to be raised regarding her participation in the contest. "If she can do it, I think there is no need to question her participation. And I think the government's stance on this issue is clear. I am speaking on behalf of the government," she stated. At the main event to be held on Nov. 9, 2013, Whulandary Herman, who comes from West Sumatra, will wear a "Reog Ponorogo"-themed dress. Reog Ponorogo is a traditional dance performance from East Java. Before qualifying for the final round, the participants will participate in various activities at Gorky Park, Vegas Mall and other similar venues. Indonesia was the host of the Miss World beauty pageant in 2013. Due to protests from Islamic organizations, the final round of the contest was moved from Jakarta to Bali. (*)