In the Midst of the Controversy Surrounding the Hijab Ban for Muslim Women as Citizens: What is the True Meaning of the Hijab for Women?

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."

The hijab is one of the commandments explicitly stated in the Qur'an, directed towards women. The hijab as a garment is intended as a form of protection for women, serving as a shield against unwanted situations. This command implies that wearing it symbolizes obedience to religious teachings. It becomes a symbol of submission to God and a reflection of deep conviction.

What do Muslim women have to say about their hijabs? 

According to The Muslim Vibe, in an article titled World Hijab Day: What Hijab Means To Me, many Muslim women shared their views on the hijab, including Maryam from California, who said, "Hijab, to me, means a complete liberation from any societal pressures and expectations regarding arbitrary standards of Eurocentric beauty. Hijab has helped me focus less on my exterior, aesthetic self and focus more so on developing my spirituality and character in my journey towards reaching closeness to God. Hijab, to me, serves as a special little reminder (especially amid a society obsessed with female objectification and nudity) that my body is my own and not for capital consumption."

Another spark was found in an article titled Hijab Stories: 8 Women Speak Out on Hijab, from About Islam. Nicole from Georgia, USA, says, "Men usually stared and pissed me off (making hissing sounds to try to get my attention), but with my hijab on, men don't bother me anymore. They stare, but they don't say anything. I love the hijab. My body belongs to Allah first and my husband second, and nobody else has the right to lust after me." 

Another one was quoted from Al Jazeera titled What the Hijab Means to Me, Ifat Gazia from Kashmir, says, "I wear hijab not because it represents my morality, intellect, backwardness or modernity, but because it makes me feel complete. I choose to wear a hijab and it represents my pride in being a Muslim and somehow makes me fulfill my duties to my religion, but it doesn't give me the liberty to judge those who don't wear it."

These views say that the hijab is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a powerful symbol of liberation, self-identity, and spiritual commitment.  

The hijab is a statement of a woman's independence in determining how she wants to be seen by the world. It also represents a deep commitment to the spiritual values that form the foundation of their lives. Moreover, the hijab serves as a protection against objectification, affirming that their bodies belong to them alone and are not open to judgment or exploitation by others. In this context, the hijab offers a sense of security and confidence, serving as a way to maintain personal dignity and integrity in a society often obsessed with outward appearances.