Beyond the Beauty

Indonesia is home to many educated, progressive and beautiful people.

Among them, is a dedicated and enthusiastic group of young women and men who compete for the role of Jakarta’s Tourism Ambassador in the annual Abang None competition.

The Abang None competition has run since 1971 and aims to preserve the indigenous Betawi culture, while celebrating the brains, behaviours and beauty of women and men between the ages of 18 and 25.

The competition’s emphasis on the brains of its competitors challenges Western beauty pageant standards.

Dana Sherwood has the story.