Bali governor supports Miss World beauty pageant

DENPASAR - Bali governor I Made Mangku Pastika said the planned Miss World beauty contest on the island later this month would increase the number of forest tourists coming to the island.
"I am convinced that Miss World would give a positive effect to tourism not only in Bali but also in Indonesia in general. This is an international event. They certainly will follow rules in the region that would be used for the event," he said here on Monday in the company of deputy governor Ketut Sudikerta.
Regarding Islam Defenders` Front`s efforts to abort the beauty pageant, which it considers as too much the governor said "what is their reason, which part that they are against. Miss World does not show pornography. They come here according to rules."
He said the participants are like foreigners who come to the island for a conference. This event will also bring financial benefit to Bali and so why it must be made into a problem, he said.
"What is wrong with Miss World? They will also promote Bali. They will also follow customs and respect cultural traditions in Bali. They will respect ethics, customs and traditions effective in Bali," he said.
The governor said it was illogical and too much for the FPI to oppose the holding of the event just for fear that it would become a only show body parts.
He said the event would not bring any losses for Bali as well as Indonesia but on the other hand it would even bring much benefit for Bali and Indonesia.
"For Bali it would become free promotion. There will be economic benefit with regard to its tourism promotion aspect," he said.
The general chairperson of the Family Development Movement (PKK), Mrs Pita Gamawan Fauzi, the wife of the home affairs minister, shared the view saying that the event must not be made into a problem because it would be held with respect to cultural and ethical norms as well as regulations applied in the country. "So long as they follow the rules why it must be made a problem. The activity will not affect local cultures. Even it will promote Indonesia in the world," she said.
Plan to hold part of the Miss World beauty pageant activities in Jakarta has been scrapped and so all activities will be centered in Bali.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews