The complaint came after the seven finalists in the contest, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to August 3, were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check two days before the pageant’s crowning ceremony.
They said the organisers asked five of them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men. They were then photographed topless, said their lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni.
Officials from the licence holder of Miss Universe in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, insisted they had “to examine any scars, cellulite or tattoos on their bodies”, Anggraini said on Tuesday.
“The finalists were not aware that they would be subjected to such a procedure, as it was originally planned to be a fitting,” she said.
She said all 30 finalists in the pageant were subjected to the unexpected body check.
In Indonesia, reporting harassment can get a woman jailed
In Indonesia, reporting harassment can get a woman jailed
The number of contestants coming forward with complaints could rise, she said, as more finalists have given her the authority to report the incidents.
Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko told reporters on Tuesday that a police report had been filed by the contestants.
Police launched an investigation into the complaint using the report as “the basis for our further investigation”, he said.
Poppy Capella, national director of Miss Universe Indonesia, did not confirm or deny the allegations in an Instagram post, but expressed gratitude to those who had shared “their views, feelings and perspectives with us” over the incident.
“Your comments are not mere words: they are a potent force,” she wrote.
The Miss Universe Organisation said in a statement on Tuesday that it had been made aware of the allegations and it was looking into this matter.
“Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organisation’s utmost priority,” it said.
Broadcaster Kompas TV showed the women holding a press conference about the allegations, hiding their identities as they spoke.
One of the complainants told the press conference that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs.
“I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable,” said the unidentified woman.
Indonesian author lifts lid on rape of Chinese women in 1998 riots: ‘it was a new low’
Indonesian author lifts lid on rape of Chinese women in 1998 riots: ‘it was a new low’
Religious groups in Indonesia, the world’ most populous Muslim country, have in the past objected to beauty pageants.
The contest in Jakarta was held to select Indonesia’s entry for the annual Miss Universe competition to be held in El Salvador late this year.
Additional reporting by Reuters
