Indonesian Schoolgirls Speak Out: Challenging Mandatory Hijab and Confronting Bullying

Indonesian Schoolgirls Testify on Mandatory Hijab and Bullying

The National Commission Holds First Hearing on Abusive Rules

On Monday, Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) held its first-ever hearing on the country’s mandatory hijab regulations. The commission invited two schoolgirls, six mothers, and two fathers to testify about their experiences with these regulations. Since their introduction in 2001, Indonesia has had 120 local mandatory hijab regulations, with 73 still in effect. Violations of these regulations can result in sanctions ranging from verbal warnings to jail terms of up to three months.

Bullying and Oppression Faced by Schoolgirls

The schoolgirls and parents who testified came from various regions in Indonesia, including Aceh, West Sumatra, Lampung, Jakarta, Central Java, East Java, West Java, and Yogyakarta. The testimonies revealed the distressing experiences faced by these young girls and the emotional toll it has taken on them. Many spoke about being bullied by both teachers and fellow students for not wearing the hijab. Some even had to change schools, only to face similar torment from their new teachers. The abuse was primarily perpetrated by teachers and principals.

Forced Conformity and Pressured Enforcement

Two fathers, who themselves were Christians, shared stories of their non-Muslim daughters being subjected to pressure and harassment to conform to hijab regulations. Girls were told to “adjust” their clothing to meet the requirements, including wearing long skirts and long-sleeved shirts. Some girls were even physically molested for not complying with the regulations. The testimonies further revealed how teachers and civil servants were also being pressured to wear the hijab if they wanted to keep their jobs.

A Cry for Freedom and Empowerment

One particular girl, a ninth-grader from Cirebon, West Java, expressed her anguish at being the only student without a hijab in her school since 2021. Despite her father’s successful plea for a special dispensation based on the multiple interpretations of Islam, she continued to face bullying from teachers and students. Her plea to the commission was moving: “Many of my friends want to take off their headscarves. They want to be free, like me, but they don’t dare. Please… free my friends. Let them breathe freedom to choose their own uniform. Please have mercy.”

Analysis

The testimonies shared during the hearing shed light on the hardship and discrimination faced by young girls in Indonesia due to mandatory hijab regulations. These regulations not only violate the principles of religious freedom and individual choice but also perpetuate a culture of bullying and oppression within schools. The testimonies make it clear that the abuse is not limited to students but extends to teachers and other civil servants as well.

This issue raises broader questions about societal norms, gender equality, and the role of religious identity within a diverse society. While some argue that mandatory hijab regulations are necessary to preserve religious and cultural values, others advocate for personal freedom and self-expression. Achieving a balance between these two perspectives is crucial to fostering an inclusive society where individuals are free to express and practice their beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination.

Reforming Attitudes and Encouraging Dialogue

Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that involves education, advocacy, and dialogue. Schools, as institutions of learning and growth, should prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their religious or cultural background. This includes fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding among students and teachers.

At the same time, it is essential to engage in meaningful dialogue with religious and community leaders to challenge existing norms and promote a more nuanced understanding of religious identity. Emphasizing the principles of individual choice and personal agency can help shift societal attitudes and create a space for meaningful debate and reform.

Editorial

The testimonies shared by the schoolgirls and parents highlight the urgent need for reforms in Indonesia’s mandatory hijab regulations. These regulations not only infringe upon individual freedoms but also perpetuate a culture of discrimination and abuse within educational institutions. It is the responsibility of the Indonesian government to uphold and protect the rights of its citizens, especially its young girls, who are most vulnerable to the negative consequences of these regulations.

The Ministries of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Education should work together to revoke the existing regulations and prohibit teachers and school officials from enforcing the hijab on female students. Such a move would signal a commitment to religious freedom, gender equality, and the empowerment of young girls. It would also send a message that Indonesia is a country that values diversity, inclusivity, and individual rights.

Conclusion

The hearing conducted by the National Commission on Violence Against Women is an important step towards addressing the issue of mandatory hijab regulations in Indonesia. It is crucial that the testimonies of the schoolgirls and parents are taken seriously and result in immediate action. Revoking these regulations and promoting dialogue and understanding is not only a matter of individual rights but also a reflection of a society’s commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.

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