Miss Universe franchise no longer with Puteri Indonesia
The Miss Universe pageant has entered a new era in Indonesia as its national franchise now belongs to a new company.
Previously held by Puteri Indonesia for almost two decades, the Miss Universe Indonesia franchise is now under Jakarta-based PT Capella Swastika Karya.
Indonesian singer and actress Poppy Capella will serve as its chairwoman with AVUE Chief Executive Officer Eldwen Wang as the national director. They are joined by Safa Attamimi as the chief operating officer and fashion stylist Niel Dimitrij as project director, among others.
This surprising turn of events is just one of the many changes in the Miss Universe Organization since ownership went to Thai media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip late last year and expect more surprises to come.
According to a source, national directors were given until Friday's deadline to bid for their licenses, or else someone with the highest offer will take over.
Indonesia managed to achieve with the past franchisee a total of eight placements at Miss Universe since 2005, and Frederika Alexis Cull's Top 10 finish in 2019 was the highest.
Bali's Laksmi De Neefe Suardana now became the last Puteri Indonesia winner to be sent to Miss Universe. Her successor is most likely to compete in Miss International.
Meet the new head of Miss Universe Indonesia:
Photos: Miss Universe Indonesia, Poppy Capellaa / Instagram