Contestant Reveals Allegations Of Sexual Harassment Miss Universe Indonesia 2023: Body Checking Doesn't Match Schedule To Bodyshaming

JAKARTA - Two contestants for Miss Universe Indonesia 2023, Marissya Icha, and Ratih Widiarta revealed information about the alleged sexual harassment they experienced during the event. To Marissya Icha, they felt some strange things about the competition while walking.

Jelitha tells that finalists are scheduled for a clothing fitting session repeatedly before the Grand Final night on August 3. They do clothes fitting because the clothes worn should not be open considering that this event is broadcast on television.

In one session, Jelitha was surprised when their fitting session was added to a body checking session. This is not in accordance with the schedule shared.

"Then I saw CCTV, but I don't know if the CCTV was on or not. When we got inside, we were asked to take off our clothes but I was surprised to feel because I was wearing an evening gown top, I wasn't visible but I was asked to take it off," said fire in Jelita.

Jelita only knew that she was fitting clothes instead of body checking. He was even more surprised when he covered the top of his body.

"The position is crowded and there are several men there. I closed it and even hit it, 'What are you doing. How do you want to be sent to an international event. There, you are naked in front of many people' I was depressed for fear of being judged as H-2 grand final," said Jelita.

"We are in bodyshaming, the shortcomings are recorded. Body checking in the international world is checked if there are injuries, later what treatment, there are stretch marks recorded, but this is discussed in the private sector," explained Jelita.

He regretted that the contestants were considered objects and did not match the concept of a pageant that upholds the anti-sexual harassment. This was approved by Ratih Widiarta who did a body check moments after Jelita.

"I came in the middle and was surprised when I entered to see another finalist wearing underwear. Just like Jelitha, we brought a dress and were told to body check. I was shocked and freeze," said Ratih Widiartha.

Ratih, who felt embarrassed, was then reprimanded by one of the men who did a body check. They emphasized that there is no need to be afraid of the contestants.

"Why are you ashamed? You won't be (sorry) for your lust," said Jelitha imitating the words of one of the men.

Ratih also explained that at that time it was a tense moment so that he could not escape or respond quickly.

"The position is depressed and confused what to do. After checking, there are a lot of finalists who enter so there are four finalists in the room and we are kind of queryable," said Ratih.

The news of sexual harassment in Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 was first revealed by the National Director of Miss Universe Indonesia West Java Rizky Ananda Musa and the National Director of Miss Universe Indonesia Bali Sally Giovanny.

Then this case grew even more after several finalists gave statements regarding the alleged sexual harassment at the 2023 MUID event.