Twenty-one year old Ariska Putri Pertiwi was crowned Miss Grand International 2016 in a glittering coronation night held at the Westgate Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Indonesian bet became the fourth winner of the fledgling pageant and the first Asian to win.
Pertiwi edged out the beauty from neighboring Philippines, Nicole Ignacio Cordoves, who settled as first runner-up. Winning second runner-up is Thailand's Supaporn Malisorn while third runner-up is Puerto Rico Madison Anderson. Completing the winner's circle is hometown girl Michelle León of the United States placing fourth runner-up.
In a report by Jakarta Post, the newly-crowned Miss Grand International expressed her joy and pride to have won the title and said she expected the achievement to "promote the name of Indonesia to the world". Aside from winning the main crown, she also brought home the Best in National Costume trophy, wearing a sparkling gold traditional costume which is Lampung-themed and designed by Dynand Fariz.
Before she competed in Las Vegas and bested 70 other ladies vying for the crown, Pertiwi participated in Puteri Indonesia 2016 where she placed third runner-up and the right to represent the country in Miss Grand International.
When asked what was in her mind immediately after winning the crown, Pertiwi exclaimed in jubilation "Indonesia, we did it!" according to Rappler.
"I just want to say thank you to all my fans, supporters, family. Thank you very much to you all. You guys are the best," she said who was deeply surprised after the announcement.
During the final question round, the top five candidates were asked who they would choose - Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton - to partner with to end war and violence. Pertiwi chose Clinton and said that she was confident that they could stop war and violence if they worked together. Miss Philippines chose Donald Trump along with Miss USA, while Thailand and Puerto Rico chose Hilary Clinton.
This is the first major win of Indonesia in an international beauty pageant in recent years. The country has never won in the Big Four pageants, namely: Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Earth, and Miss International.