Indonesia women police officers may be allowed to wear headscarf

June 21, 2013

Comment | Print | Email |

Reset Text smaller

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Amid growing public pressure, the National Police said Wednesday (June 19th) they will reconsider a dress code regulation that prohibits women in uniform from wearing an Islamic headscarf (jilbab) while on duty, The Jakarta Globe reported.

National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said the 2005 regulation could eventually be repealed. "This regulation is now being re-evaluated ... to accommodate and allow" female officers to wear a jilbab if they prefer.

Islamic groups, including Muhammadiyah, the country's second-biggest Islamic organisation, recently criticised the rule, propelling it into public debate. Police had banned the jilbab, saying it restricts an officer's peripheral vision and mobility.

What do you think of this article? (Total Votes: 2)

1 Like(s)1 Dislike(s)

Add A Comment (Comments Policy)* denotes required field

Thai Muslims pray at the Pattani Central Mosque in southern Thailand on July 26th. Indonesia dispatched a team of Islamic preachers to the Deep South the last week of July. Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali said Indonesia has built a

Indonesia "ready" to help ease Deep South conflict

So far, Jakarta has extended religious and educational outreach to the Deep South, and is willing to provide further assistance if needed, officials and experts say.

The Laiqa Magazine editorial team poses in front of their booth at the HijUp Festival in Jakarta on April 13th. The magazine aims to share positive stories about inspirational women, education, and business, pairing Islamic values with fashion advice. [Cempaka Kaulika/Khabar]

Fashion magazines mix faith with beauty advice

Magazines targeting young Muslim women have been very popular in Indonesia for the last few years, riding the growth of the Muslim fashion industry.

An accident in Purwokerto, Central Java, on August 3rd added to the rising number of traffic accidents as Idul Fitri approaches. Each year, as millions of Indonesians go home for the holiday, the number of road accidents soars. [Okky Feliantiar/Khabar]

Road fatalities mar Idul Fitri homecomings

The number of people who have died on the road while returning home has been increasing and is concerning. "Is it necessary?" a cleric asks.

Poll

Do you support campaigns by vigilante groups such as FPI to crack down on bars and restaurants that they believe are violating Islamic norms?

Photo Essay

A mother washes her daughter's hair with rice straw ashes in Pabuaran, Central Java, one day before Ramadan. It is a tradition said to cleanse heart and mind. [Andhika Bhakti/Khabar]

Ramadan: a time of reflection and togetherness

The month of fasting brings families and communities together for many special activities expressing tolerance, forbearance, creativity, charity and faith.