Laksmi will be competing with 72 finalists from other countries at the Miss Universe quarantine starting from Jan. 3 leading up to the grand finale on Jan. 14.

“YPI and Mustika Ratu have done their utmost best to prepare Laksmi for Miss Universe 2022. We hope that we can bring the Miss Universe crown to Indonesia this year,” said chairperson of the advisory board for the Puteri Indonesia Foundation, Putri Kus Wisnu Wardani at the Laksmi Goes to Miss Universe press conference at the Denpasar Room, The Westin Hotel, South Jakarta, on Wednesday.

“It will be a new challenge for Laksmi to promote Indonesia’s tourism and culture industry. One way is through the attire that Laksmi will be wearing during the quarantine and even the contest,” Putri added.

Laksmi’s wardrobe will consist entirely of local designers and labels, including a cocktail dress by Maisonmet, an evening gown by Monica Ivena and a Balinese kebaya (traditional blouse) by Intan Avantie. She will also be decked out in a national costume themed The Glory of Phinisi by Morphacio Body Art, inspired by the Indonesian motto Jalesmeva Jayamahe, which translates to, “At sea, we are victorious”.

The national costume reflects Indonesia’s historical prowess at sea and traditional maritime heritage. More importantly, it harkens back to the success of the Majapahit Empire, which is considered one of the most-powerful nations in the history of Southeast Asia. Using its naval strength, the empire was able to control sea trade and exert its influence over the region.

A new era of Miss Universe

Despite Laksmi and YPI’s sufficient preparation, Putri admitted they are also anticipating possible changes to the Miss Universe pageants moving forward, citing the transfer of Miss Universe’s ownership to Thai businesswoman Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip.

“We are observing the new direction of Miss Universe. Seeing as the current owner of the pageant is Southeast Asian herself, we are looking forward to seeing changes in the judges’ perception of Southeast Asian and Asian contestants. But we are seeing a lot of progress over the years, with winners hailing from not just Asia, but also Africa,” she explained.

Putri further commented on Indonesia gaining momentum after the recent Group of 20 Presidency’s successful run. She said that like Indonesia on the global stage, Laksmi too can deliver a message of peace and bring the world together despite the ongoing geopolitical conflict.

“Be the leader [in peace]. Laksmi already fulfilled that role when she formed a WhatsApp group and invited all the other contestants -- just like President Joko [‘Jokowi’] Widodo at the G20 Summit in Bali. So, we need to be a proactive force of good for world peace too,” she added.

Laksmi herself promises to not only advocate for peace and equality at the Miss Universe pageant. She also wants to introduce Indonesia and its philosophy to the world.

“Indonesia is such a fascinating country, being able to unite as an archipelagic country through tolerance, understanding and local wisdom. I want [to spread] the spirit of bhineka tunggal eka, ‘unity in diversity’. That’s such an important message that we all need to remember today, especially since we’re living in such a polarized world,” she said in an interview with the media.

Laksmi asked the Indonesian audience, especially pageant lovers, to support her and pray that she will achieve the best results at Miss Universe.

“Not many Indonesian women receive the opportunity to represent her country on the international stage. Therefore, I ask that Indonesian people not only pray and support [us], but also demonstrate sportsmanship throughout the event,” she concluded.

Laksmi was chosen as the first Puteri Indonesia from Bali in May 2022. Born in Melbourne on Jan. 29, 1996, she went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business at Polimoda Florence and graduated cum laude in 2020. Laksmi was also an active participant at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival since 2020 and Bookshelf Tour Narration Book Club 2021, with an experience as moderator for a book launch at Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2021, and a volunteer teacher of English for Hope for Bali.

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