Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes's visit to Indonesia has sparked controversy after allegations emerged that West Java Police paid the Angolan beauty Rp 750 million ($84,000) to attend an upcoming event.
Lopes is scheduled to crown the new Miss Indonesia during the pageant on Friday night but is now also expected to be a VIP guest at the anniversary of the West Java branch of Bhayangkari (Association of the Wives of the National Police).
The appearance was reportedly made possible with the cooperation of Yayasan Putri Indonesia (YPI), the organizer of Miss Indonesia and the franchise license holder of all Miss Universe's activities in the country, and an event organizer, Viseta Global Utama.
According to Viseta Global Utama's Web site, the company provides public relations and public speaking training and is run by Coreta El Kapoyos, the wife of West Java Police Chief Insp. Gen. Putut Bayuseno.
Coreta is a news anchor for state-owned television station TVRI.Police expert Bambang Widodo Umar urged National Police Chief Gen. Timur Pradopo to summon Putut over the scandal.
"The National Police Chief or the chairwoman of Bhayangkari should correct the West Java Police chief or his wife and show them how best to celebrate an anniversary," Bambang told news portal Detik.com.
"The money would be better used to help low-ranking police officers or help their children go to school," he said.
A Viseta spokeswoman rejected allegations the money was sourced from the police.
"The money comes from my [event organizer], from the sponsors. We didn't ask for money from police officials," Megi Theresia was quoted as saying on the Indonesian Police Commission's Web site.
"The tariff [to invite Miss Universe] is relative. We talked to the management but the point is, we invited Miss Universe because she is in Indonesia so it couldn't hurt if she comes to Bandung to attend the charity night held by the West Java Police."
thejakartaglobe.com
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