Miss Indonesia contestant disqualified over pro-Israel video backlash

In Indonesia, a contestant for the Miss Indonesia 2025 beauty pageant, Merince Kogoya, faced disqualification after a two-year-old video resurfaced on social media. This video depicted her expressing support for Israel, which is a highly contentious topic in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation known for its strong pro-Palestinian sentiments. The clip showed her waving an Israeli flag, with a caption that praised loyalty to Jerusalem and Israel. After the video went viral, significant backlash ensued from the public, leading pageant organizers to remove her from the competition during the quarantine phase, replacing her with Karmen Anastasya, the first runner-up from Highland Papua. Kogoya's actions were particularly scrutinized due to the political climate in Indonesia, which has no diplomatic relations with Israel and largely supports the Palestinian cause. Following her disqualification, Kogoya attempted to clarify her stance on social media, arguing that her intentions were rooted in her Christian faith and not a political statement. Despite her claims, the backlash suggested a disconnect between her beliefs and the prevailing sentiments in Indonesia. The incident highlights the broader implications of social media influence and public opinion in the political landscape of Indonesia, especially concerning international issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. As the nation continues to support Palestine, the disqualification of Kogoya serves as a clear reminder of how deeply such geopolitical issues resonate within domestic affairs, impacting individuals’ lives and public personas.