Jayapura – The Papua Policy Advocacy and Human Rights Association (PAK-HAM Papua) condemns the unfair treatment by the Miss Indonesia Foundation Committee, which disqualified Miss Indonesia finalist representing the Papua Highlands Province, Merince Kogoya, for highly subjective reasons.

A press release stated that the human rights defense organization in Papua further requested the Minister of Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia to immediately follow up and thoroughly investigate the discriminatory actions taken by the Miss Indonesia Foundation Committee against Merince Kogoya.

This statement was made in response to the decision of the Miss Indonesia Foundation Committee, which removed Merince Kogoya from the list of Miss Indonesia finalists on June 26, 2025.

According to information obtained from the “People’s Solidarity Against Discrimination of Miss Indonesia 2025, Merince Kogoya,” the committee’s decision to disqualify Merince Kogoya was due to a video she uploaded on social media in 2023.

The video’s content was considered pro-Israeli Zionist. The video attracted widespread attention from netizens, prompting the Miss Indonesia Foundation Committee to take action by eliminating Merince Kogoya from the list of Miss Indonesia finalists.

The committee’s decision to disqualify Merince Kogoya from the beauty pageant is considered discriminatory because the treatment, policy, or decision violated the principle of equal rights for a Miss Indonesia finalist.

The decision is also deemed unfair as it allegedly discriminates against an individual or group based on their beliefs or religion, and the committee took a stance based on widespread netizen attention.

It was stated that since uploading the pro-Israeli Zionist video, Merince Kogoya has continuously received threats from netizens, including derogatory remarks related to religious, ethnic, and racial elements.

This has disrupted her mental health and restricted her freedom in society and as a citizen, indirectly destroying her character. However, due to her beliefs and religious teachings, Merince has forgiven those who made negative comments about her.

These negative actions by netizens clearly violate the provisions of Article 28E paragraphs (1) and (2) of the 1945 Constitution and Article 29 paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantee and protect the constitutional rights of every Indonesian citizen.

These actions also violate Article 1 paragraph (3) and Article 22 paragraph (1) of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, as well as the provisions of Law No. 40 of 2008 on the Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination.

According to the Director of PAK-HAM Papua, several consolidation and advocacy steps have been taken, including reporting the issue affecting Merince Kogoya to the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia Representative for Papua, the LKHB Faculty of Law at UNCEN Papua, the Papua Mama-Mama Market Forum, Papua Democracy Observers, and Papua Community Leaders.

PAK-HAM Papua has also requested the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia through the Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner to immediately follow up on the complaint submitted by the Representative of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia for the Papua Region via letter number 085/TL.Complaint 3.5.6./VII/2025 dated July 7, 2025.

Additionally, PAK-HAM Papua has requested the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) through the Cyber Team of Polda Papua to track and investigate every hate speech containing ethnic, religious, and racial sentiments sent through Merince Kogoya’s account.

The human rights defense organization, committed to ending cruelty and achieving peace in the land of Papua, also invites the public, especially those in the Papua Highlands Province, to support follow-up efforts regarding the discriminatory actions and unfair treatment by the Miss Indonesia Committee against Merince Kogoya.

Miss Indonesia Foundation

The Miss Indonesia Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2005 that organizes the national Miss Indonesia pageant. Its history is rooted in selecting representatives for international competitions and its mission has evolved to focus on empowering young women through education and social programs.

Papua Highlands Province

The Papua Highlands Province is a rugged, mountainous region in central Papua New Guinea, historically known for its incredible cultural diversity with numerous isolated tribal groups. Its history is marked by the late outside contact, as the difficult terrain meant many indigenous cultures remained undisturbed by the Western world until the mid-20th century.

Jayapura City

Jayapura City is the capital of Indonesia’s Papua province, located on the island of New Guinea. It was originally established by the Dutch in 1910 as Hollandia and served as a major Allied base during World War II. Following Indonesian administration, it was renamed several times before becoming Jayapura (“City of Victory”) in 1968.

1945 Constitution

The 1945 Constitution is the foundational legal document of the Republic of Indonesia. It was drafted and ratified in August 1945, just prior to the country’s declaration of independence from the Netherlands. It establishes Indonesia as a unitary republic and outlines the framework of its government.

Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights

This is not a place or cultural site, but a foundational piece of Indonesian legislation. Enacted in 1999, it formally codified human rights into national law following the end of the Suharto era, reflecting the country’s transition towards reform. The law comprehensively outlines the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Indonesian citizens.

Law No. 40 of 2008 on the Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination

This is not a place or cultural site, but a significant Indonesian anti-discrimination law. Enacted in 2008, it was a landmark piece of legislation that formally outlawed discrimination based on race and ethnicity in Indonesia. The law was part of a broader effort to promote equality and protect the rights of all Indonesian citizens.

National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia

The National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia (Komnas HAM) is an independent state institution established in 1993 to uphold human rights law and investigate violations. It was formed in response to growing domestic and international pressure for greater human rights protections following decades of authoritarian rule. The commission monitors the human rights situation, provides education, and conducts inquiries into alleged abuses.

Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua)

The Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) is the primary law enforcement agency for the Indonesian province of Papua. It was established as part of the Indonesian National Police to maintain security and order in the region, which has a complex history marked by a long-standing separatist movement. Its operations are often focused on counter-insurgency and maintaining stability amidst the area’s unique cultural and political challenges.