Kris Dayanti Condemns And Asks Police To Investigate Allegations Of Sexual Harassment At The Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 Event

Member of Commission IX DPR RI Kris Dayanti (KD) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX DPR RI Kris Dayanti (KD) condemned the alleged sexual harassment experienced by finalists Miss Universe Indonesia 2023. KD asked the police to thoroughly investigate reports of alleged sexual harassment in the beauty contest. The reason, said KD, from the initial investigation, the police said that body checks were not carried out by experts but people with no capacity.

"The alleged harassment case experienced by Miss Universe Indonesia finalists must be addressed immediately. Because in addition to violating human rights, this harassment has hurt the public's sense of justice. All forms of contest activities must uphold the norms and legal corridors," said KD in his statement, Tuesday, August 15. As is known, Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 has been in the spotlight of the international community after the alleged sexual harassment case emerged. The alleged harassment was related to a nude photo shoot scandal when the finalists were asked to take part in a body checking session.

At least, there are about 11 finalists who have reported the body checking action to the police. In their confession, the finalist Miss Universe Indonesia was asked to conduct a body check in a naked condition where there were also a number of men in the room and CCTV caught.

During the body checking, the finalists were also photographed naked. Whereas since the beginning of the holding of the contest, no body examination activities have been officially scheduled. The finalists have also shown their discomfort, but body checking is still carried out by the organizers.

Therefore, KD criticized the action, especially since there were parties who recorded it during the naked finalists. There are even individuals who carry out body shaming that is suspected of being carried out by fellow women.

"Women must be able to maintain and defend the honor of each other. If we ourselves don't take care of each other, how can we fight outside of women? If this allegation is proven, it is really very concerning and should no longer happen," said the PDI-P politician. The East Java electoral district legislator also encourages the work environment to be free from acts of sexual violence. KD emphasized that beauty pageants or beuity pageants must uphold the dignity of a woman.

"The beauty contest for Indonesian women is an opportunity to express works and achievements, so they must uphold the values and norms of Indonesian culture in international events according to women's dignity and dignity," said KD.

Furthermore, the DPR member who is also one of the divas in Indonesia also asked the police to apply Law (UU) Number 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence (TPKS), to ensnare the perpetrators. Because, said KD, the TPKS Law also allows victims to receive protection from various sides.

Seperti dari sisi mental health-nya, karena pelecehan seksual pasti akan meninggalkan luka internal. Jadi perlindungan dalam hal psikologisnya juga harus dapat dipastikan diterima para korban. Penerapan UU TPKS juga akan memberikan rasa aman bagi korban karena teratur juga adanya adanya perlindungan bagi para korban, jelasnya.

"This is why we in the DPR continue to fight for the creation of the TPKS Law in order to ensnare perpetrators of sexual crimes and provide a legal umbrella to ensnare the perpetrators. No exception the gender," continued KD.

Following this incident, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has revoked the license of the organizer as the party holding the Miss Universe license in Indonesia. KD hopes that Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 winner Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld will still be able to participate in this year's Miss Universe world event.

"This incident is really very unfortunate. Because the issue is not only related to the welfare of women, but also related to the good name of the nation and the pride of the Indonesian people," he concluded.