The 11th edition of Miss Indonesia, Miss Indonesia 2015, saw a magnificent finale last night, as the country witnessed its new face for Miss Indonesia. Maria Harfanti from D.I. Yogyakarta was crowned as the winner of Miss Indonesia 2015, defeating 33 other contestants. Maria Harfanti was crowned by Maria Rahajeng, the outgoing queen Miss Indonesia 2014, who was accompanied by Rolene Strauss the reigning Miss World, from South Africa.
As the reign of one Queen begins, it was time for Maria Rahajeng to bid adieu to the crown and her reign. The journey from Maria Rahajen Miss Indonesia 2014 to Maria Harfanti 2015 has been one long journey, full of controversies.
On the night of 17th February, 2014, when Maria Rahajen was crowned as the Miss Indonesia 2014, many condemned her representation from the West Sulawesi province, hence criticizing her winning. However, taking all the criticism, Maria Rahajen stood gracefully to her title and served her duties as the winner to her nation fruitfully and also made it to the Top 25 in the Miss World 2014 pageant.
The year has passed and now it’s time for the new Queen to wear the crown of duties. Maria Harfanti, the former teaching assistant was once a participant in an international student exchange program in 2012. Maria Harfanti believes that there is diversity in her country but it is the love they concieve towards their nation that unites them. She shares her views on unity by saying, “Indonesia is rich with cultural differences. However, we remain one under the same flag. We should maintain this unity.”
We congratulate Maria Harfanti, Miss Indonesia 2015 and wish her all the luck for her journey ahead.