Amid vows from the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) that they will continue to resist efforts of organizers to stage the Miss World contest, news has arisen of the logistical problems of moving the entire event to Bali.
“Resistance will continue,” stated FPI Chairman Rizieq Shihab. “ We are not fools, to be fooled by their traditional clothes.”
The Islamic People’s Forum (FUI) alleges the event violates criminal codes 281 and 282 which cover obscenity and pornography, as photos of the contestants wearing bikinis appear on the event’s official website.
Meanwhile the organizers’ media representative, Arief Suditomo, spoke on behalf of the sponsors and Miss World committee of the logistical problems of moving the final stages of the competition, claiming there is not enough time.
“After September 15, APEC members will be arriving in Bali,” he said, claiming that it will be impossible to find 200 rooms at such short notice, while catering and obtaining a large venue are also issues that will be difficult to overcome.
“Additionally, there is a consumption problem; there is no daily catering service for 300 to 500 people that could be ordered in less than 20 days. There are also problems with land and air transportation. We have already paid for that in Jakarta; it is difficult to book in Bali because it is fully booked,” he said.
His concern is also on the cost of moving the event, a loss he feels sure the committee will have to bear. Venues need to be cancelled, alternative venues sought and loss of revenue if pre-sold tickets have to be refunded.
Meanwhile Bali Governor Pastika, has assured the organisers that Bali can be ready to host the various Miss World events.
“The preparations have been ongoing for over three months in other places; it’s not easy to move the venue, let alone that many tickets already been sold,” said Pastika. Neverthless he supports the change in venue and promises to support the move if agreed.
Pastika has explained the decision was made by the Ministry for People’s Welfare for safety reasons due to the massive protests by some elements of society. Meetings with security personnel and the Miss World organization continue.
