Papuaaround.com – A contestant representing Papua Pegunungan in the Miss Indonesia 2025 pageant, Merince Kogoya, has been officially removed from the competition following the circulation of a past video that sparked controversy on social media. The footage, which resurfaced online, shows Kogoya raising the Israeli flag—an act many interpreted as a political gesture of support toward Israel.
The organizing committee’s decision to disqualify Kogoya drew widespread attention, with the majority of online reactions supporting the move. Many netizens argued that the values represented in the video were inconsistent with the principles expected of a Miss Indonesia finalist, especially amid ongoing global sensitivity regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Merince Kogoya, who was initially chosen to represent Papua Pegunungan, was sent home from the pageant’s quarantine phase after the video went viral. Originally recorded two years ago, the footage gained renewed scrutiny as audiences questioned its intent and implications. Critics labeled the act as a sign of alignment with Zionist ideology, which led the committee to replace her with Karmen Anastasya as the new finalist from the province.
In response to the controversy, Merince Kogoya issued a statement via Instagram Story. She clarified that her action in the video was religious in nature rather than political. “I was simply practicing my faith as a follower of Christ, praying and blessing through that symbolic gesture,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, the video was shared without context and interpreted in ways that misrepresent my beliefs.”
Despite offering an apology to her supporters, family, and the people of Papua Pegunungan, Kogoya expressed disappointment over the committee’s decision. She suggested that public pressure, particularly from voices aligned with the pro-Palestinian stance, played a major role in her dismissal. “After four months of preparation and sacrifices to earn this spot as a finalist, it is heartbreaking to see it taken away due to differing public opinions,” she stated.
Public reactions online have largely echoed approval of the disqualification. Users on various platforms criticized what they perceived as a lack of empathy and awareness on Kogoya’s part. Many emphasized that representing Indonesia on international stages requires a deep understanding of humanitarian issues, especially considering the Miss World pageant’s focus on social advocacy.
One comment stated that any candidate who fails to grasp the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine should not be considered for the title. Another highlighted that Miss Indonesia finalists are expected to be more than just beauty ambassadors—they are also seen as symbols of compassion and global consciousness.
Others pointed out that while religious freedom should be respected, it should not be confused with political endorsement. Netizens questioned the appropriateness of Kogoya’s actions, arguing that the line between religious expression and political provocation can become blurred, especially in high-profile public roles.
The Miss Indonesia pageant has not issued a detailed statement beyond confirming the replacement of the finalist. Meanwhile, the incident continues to fuel discussions on social media about the responsibilities of public figures, especially in a country as diverse and politically aware as Indonesia.
