Say What Wednesdays : Miss -ed World Pageant 2013

So, the Miss World Beauty Pageant is being held in Indonesia this year & it is stirring up LOADS of controversy. 

For those of you who don't know, the overwhelming majority of Indonesia is Muslim - we all have an idea of where I am going with this. They have strict rules against women exposing their bodies in public. So strict that they are changing the tone of the pageant itself. Women participating in this year's pageant are being made to cover up during the bikini portion of the event!!!!!! There's even been talk of totally removing the bikini competition completely. 

Say what??

Now, while I do have a healthy respect for all religions, I really don't believe this is fair. The bikini part of the competition is one of the most popular stages of the event, and to change it based on ONE religion's view is a big deal. My question is, if Indonesia has such a big problem with the way the Miss World pageant is being presented, why host the pageant in the first place??? Certainly the committee has seen the pageant over the years? Did they just fast forward the bikini section? I'm confused as to why a country so seemingly devoted to women hiding their bodies would be interested in a beauty pageant anyways? It all seems very strange. Your thoughts? Keep in mind this is NOT an indictment of the Muslim religion but more of a question as to why Indonesia is hosting the event. 

If you don't want to deal with the heat, why willingly enter the kitchen?