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
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
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
