The Miss Indonesia 2025 pageant has been thrust into a nationwide debate after the disqualification of Merince Kogoya, the contestant representing Papua Pegunungan, following the circulation of a video showing her waving an Israeli flag during a religious event. The incident has ignited intense discussions about religious freedom, ethnic identity, and political sensitivities within Indonesia, a country that maintains no diplomatic ties with Israel and overwhelmingly supports the Palestinian cause.
Background of the Controversy
Merince Kogoya, aged 23, an Indigenous West Papuan woman, was officially sent home from the Miss Indonesia quarantine camp on the night of June 27, 2025. This decision was made by the pageant’s organizing committee following public outcry over videos posted on social media depicting her holding and dancing with the Israeli flag during a Christian worship event in Papua in 2023. These videos resurfaced in mid-June 2025, triggering significant backlash on Indonesian social media platforms.
Despite the videos being two years old and primarily religious in context, many Indonesian netizens interpreted the display of the Israeli flag as a political statement, aligning Merince with pro-Zionist support—an extremely sensitive and controversial stance in Indonesia. The country, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, has long expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and officially does not recognize Israel.
In response to the public sentiment and concerns about national unity, Miss Indonesia organizers decided to disqualify Merince. The move was met with mixed reactions—some applauded the decision as necessary to protect national values, while others decried it as an infringement on religious expression and ethnic minority rights.
Merince’s Instagram and Public Reaction
Merince’s Instagram account, @kogoya_merry, became a focal point in this controversy. Her posts and videos, which previously showed joyful participation in religious celebrations and traditional Papuan culture, were scrutinized widely. One viral post contained a plea for understanding, emphasizing her Christian faith and Indigenous identity rather than any political motive.
An Instagram caption accompanying the video stated, “Can you guys share this? The aboriginal West Papuan are supporting Israel and they’re hated for that. This woman @kogoya_merry got kicked out from the beauty pageant contest and her life is in danger for supporting Israel.” This message resonated with many supporters who viewed Merince as a victim of intolerance and religious discrimination.
Supporters from both Indonesia and abroad voiced concerns about her safety following reports that she had received threats. Human rights activists and Christian advocacy groups called for greater tolerance and protection for Merince, arguing that her display of the Israeli flag was an expression of faith during a religious event rather than a political declaration.
Official Statements and Pageant Organizers’ Perspective
The Miss Indonesia organizing committee issued a brief statement explaining the decision to send Merince home from quarantine. They emphasized the importance of respecting the nation’s cultural diversity and maintaining harmony amid sensitive political issues.
“Due to the viral nature of the videos showing Miss Papua Pegunungan holding the Israeli flag, which caused significant public concern and debate, the committee has made the difficult decision to discontinue her participation in this year’s pageant,” the statement read. “We uphold the values of unity and respect for all ethnicities and religions within Indonesia.”
The organizers did not explicitly condemn Merince’s personal beliefs but underscored their responsibility to avoid controversy that might overshadow the pageant’s spirit and Indonesia’s pluralistic values.
The Broader Context: Papua and Identity
Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province, has a unique cultural and religious landscape. Unlike the majority-Muslim population in much of Indonesia, many Papuans are Christian, with deep connections to their Indigenous identities. The region has long faced political tensions and feelings of marginalization within Indonesia, leading to a complex relationship with the central government.
Merince Kogoya’s case highlights these nuances. Her supporters argue that the flag-waving was part of a religious celebration and an assertion of Papuan Christian identity, not a political endorsement of Israel’s policies.
Experts note that in the highly charged political environment of Indonesia, symbols such as the Israeli flag can carry vastly different meanings depending on context. For many Indonesians, the flag is synonymous with opposition to Palestinian rights, while for some Christian Papuans, it may represent spiritual solidarity.
Public and Social Media Backlash
Following the video’s circulation, Merince faced a barrage of criticism on Indonesian social media. Many commenters accused her of disrespecting Indonesian solidarity with Palestine. Others called for her immediate removal from the competition, citing national interests.
Conversely, a sizable group of netizens and international observers expressed solidarity with Merince. They condemned the backlash as an attack on religious freedom and Indigenous expression.
Indonesian public figures and celebrities also weighed in, some supporting the pageant’s decision, while others urged calm and greater understanding.
Impact on Miss Indonesia 2025
Merince’s departure reduces the number of finalists to 37. The pageant, which celebrates Indonesia’s cultural diversity and beauty, now faces the challenge of navigating political controversies while maintaining its image as a platform for national unity.
The controversy has also prompted discussions within Indonesian society about the balance between freedom of expression and respect for collective values, especially in the digital age where social media can rapidly amplify disputes.
International Attention and Human Rights Concerns
The incident drew international media attention, with outlets highlighting the tension between religious identity and political allegiances in Indonesia. Human rights organizations have urged Indonesian authorities to ensure Merince’s safety amid reports of threats.
The case underscores the ongoing global dialogue about freedom of belief and expression, particularly for Indigenous and minority communities.
Merince Kogoya’s Current Status
As of this writing, Merince has not released a formal public statement addressing the controversy. Her Instagram account remains a space where supporters share messages of encouragement and call for respect toward her faith and heritage.
Her story has evolved beyond a national beauty contest to symbolize the complex intersections of religion, ethnicity, and politics in modern Indonesia.
