Indonesian Government Decrees that Schools Can’t Force Students to Wear Religious Attire

Female students in many Indonesian provinces were required to wear the jilbab, even if they were part of a non-Muslim minority group, before a decree was passed by the Indonesian government in February. (Common Wiki)

The Indonesian government passed a decree in February prohibiting public schools from forcing students and staff to wear religious attire. This decree went into effect on March 8. 

A collaboration between the ministries of education, home affairs, and religious affairs, this edict reaffirms the Indonesian government’s commitment towards religious tolerance in a country where 90 percent of people identify as Muslim. 

This measure comes after Jenni Hia, a Christian student, refused to follow the order to wear an Islamic headscarf at her public vocational school in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. Elianu Hia, her father, streamed the resultant confrontation between himself and Zakri Zaini, the vice-principal of his daughter’s school, on Facebook Live, and the video went viral in January.  

Former Padang Mayor Fauzi Bahar originally implemented the policy that female students and staff wear the jilbab, as it is called in Indonesia, which covers the neck, head, and chest. Non-Muslim students were also recommended to wear the jilbab so as not to stick out as religious minorities. Jenni’s principal, Rusmadi, later offered a public apology for mandating the recommended dress code for religious minorities. He has also guaranteed that non-Muslim students will not be subjected to these dress codes in the future.

Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, one of the architects of February’s decree, said, “Religion is not supposed to be a reason for conflict or a justification to act unfairly towards those with different beliefs.” This embodies the pluralism that has been a key aspect of Indonesia’s state philosophy. Human rights activists have lauded this edict as a step in the right direction for a country that has seen growing religious conservatism in recent years. 

Twenty provinces in Indonesia still have school dress codes that enforce wearing religious attire, even for students of religious minorities. Administrations across the country have resorted to bullying, intimidation, and even expulsions and forced resignations to enforce these restrictions, according to the Human Rights Watch. 

Both the semi-autonomous province of Aceh, which enforces Islamic Law under an agreement with the Indonesian government, and religious schools are exempt from the decree.