Model Monalisa Sembor from Papua, Indonesia. She says the journey to accept her natural hair was a long one, given the racist comments it often draws. Photo: courtesy Monalisa SemborModel Monalisa Sembor from Papua, Indonesia. She says the journey to accept her natural hair was a long one, given the racist comments it often draws. Photo: courtesy Monalisa Sembor
Model Monalisa Sembor from Papua, Indonesia. She says the journey to accept her natural hair was a long one, given the racist comments it often draws. Photo: courtesy Monalisa Sembor
Lifestyle /  Fashion & Beauty

Racism in Indonesia: discriminated against over their hair and skin tone, Papuan models and make-up artists fight back on social media

  • Papuans are Melanesian, meaning their skin is darker than that of most Indonesians and their hair is curly. This makes them targets of colourism and worse
  • Papuan models and make-up artists use social media platforms to share beauty tips and campaign for acceptance using the hashtag PapuanLivesMatter

Topic |   Beauty
Antonia Timmerman
Antonia Timmerman

Updated: 8:13pm, 12 Sep, 2020

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Model Monalisa Sembor from Papua, Indonesia. She says the journey to accept her natural hair was a long one, given the racist comments it often draws. Photo: courtesy Monalisa SemborModel Monalisa Sembor from Papua, Indonesia. She says the journey to accept her natural hair was a long one, given the racist comments it often draws. Photo: courtesy Monalisa Sembor
Model Monalisa Sembor from Papua, Indonesia. She says the journey to accept her natural hair was a long one, given the racist comments it often draws. Photo: courtesy Monalisa Sembor
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