Miss World bans bikinis for contest in Indonesia

Contestants at this year's Miss World pageant will not wear bikinis to avoid offending the Muslim population of Indonesia, organisers told the AFP news agency.

The 137 contestants will instead opt for more conservative outfits - such as traditional sarongs - for the beach fashion round of the competition.

Miss World Organisation chairwoman Julia Morley said she did not want to "upset or get anyone in a situation where we are being disrespectful".

"We treasure respect for all the countries that take part in the pageant", Ms Morley added.

The move comes after Lady Gaga was forced to cancel a concert in Indonesia last year following protests by religious groups who criticised the singer for only wearing "panties and a bra".

Read: Lady Gaga's Indonesian concerts cancelled after protests from religious groups.

Beyonce was also reportedly urged to "cover up" during her gig in Indonesia.

Nana Putra, from the official pageant broadcaster MNC, said, "We discussed the beach fashion issue last year with Miss World in London before we even agreed to host the event because we knew this would be sensitive in Indonesia".

The contest is being held on the resort island of Bali and the city of Bogor, located just outside Jakarta, in September.