On Tuesday (13/8), a rumor spread that there was a ban on the use of hijabs for members of Indonesia's National Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibraka). This issue arose when no female Paskibraka members were seen wearing hijabs in the official photo, despite it being common in previous years to see hijab-wearing Paskibraka members as part of the Indonesian Flag Hoisting Troop. This has raised concerns because such a prohibition could indirectly constitute a violation of the right to religious freedom, which is a fundamental right of every individual.
Indonesia is a country with a Muslim-majority population, and it is common for its women to wear hijabs as a sign of their adherence to religious teachings. The issue was confirmed along with an apology from Yudian Wahyudi, the head of BPIP (Badan Pembinaan Ideologi Pancasila), the institution responsible for ensuring the training and standards of Paskibraka members. He apologized for the fact that 18 female members of the 2024 National Paskibraka Troop had removed their hijabs during an inauguration ceremony by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan.
Yudian explained that the Paskibraka members had voluntarily registered, accompanied by a signed agreement to adhere to the rules, "with the attachment of Paskibraka candidate requirements that include dress code and appearance standards, as stipulated in Surat Edaran Deputi Diklat Nomor 1 Tahun 2024," said Yudian. He also emphasized that BPIP did not enforce the removal of hijabs.
The controversy was resolved, as during the Independence Day Ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2024, which was held for the first time in the new capital city (IKN), some female Paskibraka members were seen wearing their hijabs while performing their duties.
The controversy surrounding the ban on wearing hijabs is not a new. It has occurred in several countries, whether related to specific events or on a national scale. Recently, the government of Tajikistan enacted a law banning the wearing of hijabs.
According to Euronews, the government of Tajikistan passed the law, which was described by the authorities as a measure to "protect national cultural values" and "prevent superstition and extremism." The law, approved by the parliament's upper house, the Majlisi Milli, bans the use of "foreign clothing," including the hijab, or head covering worn by Muslim women.
Tajikistan is a Central Asian country with a population that is 96% Muslim, according to the 2020 census. Tajikistan's crackdown on the hijab is not new; unofficial regulations on this matter have been in place since 2007.
How important is the hijab for a Muslim woman that its prohibition can spark such a significant controversy?
The hijab is one of the commandments written in the Qur'an, one of which is found in Surah Al-Ahzab Ayah 59, which is translated into English as:
"O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful."