Indonesia's Miss Universe Contestant Caught in a Firestorm

Jakarta, Indonesia, May 6--Miss Indonesia has glossy black hair and a law degree, smiles constantly, and talks about helping children. In many ways, she is the ideal Miss Universe contestant.

But Artika Sari Devi faces one major obstacle in competing in the Miss Universe pageant May 30-wearing a swimsuit. To Islamic clerics and many others, an Indonesian Muslim woman showing bare skin would be a public slap against Islam and a national embarrassment.

"No way," exclaimed Monik, a 9-year-old girl who, like many Indonesians, uses only one name. "It's porno. You can't have that in Islam."

The debate may seem frivolous--especially in Indonesia, with its rampant prostitution and, in certain quarters, an anything-goes attitude. But the controversy over whether Miss Indonesia should wear a swimsuit shows the growing pains of the world's most populous Muslim country since the fall of a dictator in 1998.

For Artika, her family, and the women who have pushed for years to send an official Indonesian contestant to Miss Universe, this issue represents women's empowerment and a chance to increase tourism in the country. They point to countries such as Egypt and Turkey, which send contestants to Miss Universe without problems.

"Many Muslim countries have joined the pageant," said Artika, 25. "My family doesn't even think it's a problem."

This is hardly the first time a beauty contest has run up against conservative Muslims, who believe women always should dress modestly. Most international pageants require women to wear a swimsuit, either a one-piece or a bikini.

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