Wasti Atmodjo – The Indonesian government has proposed the adoption of "Eastern values" during the prestigious Miss World competition scheduled to take place in Jakarta and Bali in September.

Sapta Nirwandar, deputy tourism and creative economy minister, told journalists that the government had asked Miss World's organizing committee to follow the Indonesian tradition.

Around 130 beautiful and intelligent women from 130 countries will compete for the Miss World crown. "Some people in Indonesia still consider it taboo for women to wear bikinis and outfits that expose body parts," Nirwandar commented.

In fact, he said, only a very small group of people were against the competition. "They are only trying to make a sensation, which will in turn harm the image of Indonesia on the international stage."

Indonesia has frequently organized beauty pageant contests and has also sent representatives to both Miss Universe and Miss World competitions.

I Gusti Ngurah Putera, secretary general for the ministry's marketing and promotions, said that the Indonesian government had come to a mutual agreement with the organizing committee.

In Bali, the Miss World competition will be held in Nusa Dua Resort complex and surrounding areas. Participants will take part in tours to various tourist destinations, cultural and historical places across the Island. Participants will be scheduled to attend various charity activities during their stays in Bali.

In Jakarta, the Miss World 2013 will be held at the Sentul International Convention Centers in Bogor. Previously, Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, said that all contestants of Miss World 2013 would be required to wear sarongs (Indonesian long cloth) instead of the sexy bikinis during the Beach Fashion segments.

Indonesian representative and contest hopeful Vania Larissa was supportive of the global contest but lamented that she was also eager to see the Miss World contestants wearing sarongs to replace bikinis.

"Miss World competition is not only about physical beauty but also about brains, cultural values and knowledge about the current issues," said the 17-year old girl. "This [beauty pageant] will be a huge promotional effort for Indonesia with wide international media coverage," Putera said.

In addition to the participants, world-class sponsors, guests and the world's media would also attend the international event.