Jakarta. Indonesian representative Jihane Almira took home three awards at the beauty pageant Miss Supranational 2021, including the prestigious best national costume.

Jihane went up against 57 fellow contestants from other countries and managed to crack the Top 12. The Puteri Indonesia for Tourism 2020 won fan favorite votes. She was named as the Miss Supranational Asia, and even won the award for best national costume category with "The Dashing of the Equus Caballus". 

Designed by Levico Butik and Eggie Jasmin Artisan Couture, the costume took inspiration from the uniqueness and valor of East Nusa Tenggara’s iconic Sumba sandalwood pony horses. The horse's racing power is said to surpass other horses in the archipelago.

“I would like to thank Mustika Ratu and Puteri Indonesia Foundation for giving me this opportunity and also for trusting me. Of course, it was not easy. I competed against numerous countries and managed to get into the Top 12, thanks to all the support and prayers from the Indonesian people,” Jihane said.

“Thank you to everyone who has always supported me. [I dedicate] this achievement to us all Indonesians. Thank you, Indonesia,” she said.

Mega Angkasa, the communication officer at the Puteri Indonesia Foundation, congratulated Jihane for her wins. Despite Covid-19 pandemic, Jihane along with cosmetic giant Mustika Ratu and the Puteri Indonesia Foundation had given their all.

“And this has bore fruits as Jihane finished in Top 12, became Miss Supranational Asia, and won the prestigious best national costume,” Mega said.

Not only did she compete, Jihane successfully promoted Indonesia’s tourism and cultural diversity, be it during the national costume contest or quarantine. She also introduced Indonesia’s traditional culture-based industry, namely Mustika Ratu’s beauty, herbal, and health products.

“Also, Jihane succeeded in building solidarity, friendship, and unity amid the Covid-19 pandemic, [so the world] can remain enthusiastic and optimistic [during these times],” Mega said.

The Miss Supranational 2021 grand finale took place at Parku Strzeleckim Amphitheater in Nowy Sacz, Poland. Mustika Ratu and the Puteri Indonesia Foundation aired the pageant live on Metro TV early Sunday morning.