Jayapura, Jubi – Ertyn Margaretha Wene Lani, junior model from Papua came out as the winner in two categories at the event of Indonesia Junior Top Model 2017.
“She won the championship in two categories: Intercultural Archipelago and First Champion of Top Model Indonesia 2017 in children category,” said Bonny Lanni, her father, to Jubi via short message Sunday (September 10).
“We thank the Government of Puncak Papua and the Puncak Arts Council for raising the potential of our children, and thank you for all the support from our family and relatives,” said Bonny Lanny, who is also a prominent musician from Walesi, Wamena Jayawijaya District.
He admitted that the audition was conducted quite hurried and he was overwhelmed because there was no preparation, especially no sponsors from the local government and the Papua provincial government.
But he said, “The feeling is deeply moved to hear our daughter come out as a winner despite the hustle-paced preparations but maybe God has other plans for our child.”
The competition that took place in Jakarta on September 9, 2017 leaves many stories for both parents of Ertyn. Ertyn who brought the good name for Papua participated on behalf of Papua even without the support of regency government and Provincial Government.
“So far we have been working on our own by borrowing money from the family and others to try to take our children to the national level. For the future hopefully there are people who can help to sponsor our child,” he said.
Despite not receiving the attention of the government properly, for Bonny it is a challenge that must be borne as parents who want to encourage their talented children, “without effort, just pray, it can be in vain,” he said.
Ertyn will get several contracts in Jakarta for a year to become a commercial and soap opera star.
Separately, Thedy Pekei a chairman of the Rasta Kribo Community (KORK) Papua congratulates Ertyn Margaretha Wene Lani who won the national competition. He hopes that the development of young Papuan children of this kind should get support from local and the provincial government.
“Support and guide them in achieving and developing their talents, because they are Papuan assets in the future,” he said.
Ertyn Margaretha Wene Lani, representing Puncak Regency, previously won the second category of children aged 4-7 years in Fashion and Top Model contest at provincial level of Papua held at Papuan Arts Council, Jayapura, last Tuesday (September 5). (*)
