The Polemic of the XX Papua Icon Continues and Draws Attention, Yanni Melwani Speaks Out

Kapanlagi.com - Lately, the XX Papua has been in the spotlight. Not because of the schedule, but because the choice of its icon has become a polemic. Several public figures have spoken out about it. From Arie Kriting to Dian Sastrowardoyo.

Another hot topic is netizens speculating that several public figures of Papuan descent will replace Nagita Slavina. One of them is the beautiful actress Yanni Melwani. Yes, the star of the movie AISYAH has Papuan and Indian blood.

1. Yanni's Response

Yanni Melwani (Credit: instagram.com/yannimelwani)

Contacted separately, Yanni Melwani stated that it is all within the authority of the National Sports Week (PON) XX Papua.

"The most important thing for me is that the PON event runs smoothly, and we all have the same responsibility to make the PON event a national event that brings good reputation to Papua and Indonesia," she said.

2. The Important Thing is the Success of PON XX Papua

Yanni also hopes that this PON event becomes a platform for athletes to hone their skills in order to compete internationally.

Instead of adding fuel to the fire, Yanni urges for this controversy to be approached maturely. "Hopefully everything goes according to plan, and we can unite to make the PON event successful," she concluded.

3. Criticism from Arie Kriting

Previously, as KLovers know, Arie Kriting criticized the appointment of Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina as the icons of the 20th National Sports Week (PON) in Papua.

"The appointment of Nagita Slavina as the Ambassador of PON XX Papua can ultimately lead to Cultural Appropriation. The representation of Papua women should be directly represented by Papua women," he wrote.

4. Indonesia is Colorful

Dian Sastrowardoyo also supports Arie Kriting's opinion. Dian Sastro said there is no problem with Nagita Slavina, but she agrees that it would be better if a Papua woman represents PON XX Papua.

"Nagita is my friend, but Indonesia is colorful. It's time for our Papuan brothers and sisters to be represented," Dian wrote in the comment section of Arie's Instagram post.

(kpl/far/tdr)