28-8-2023 (JAKARTA) A school on Indonesia’s main island has taken a controversial disciplinary measure against a group of girls, shaving their heads partially, after accusing them of incorrectly wearing their Islamic hijab headscarves. The incident, which came to light last Wednesday, has sparked outrage among activists who argue that both Muslim and non-Muslim girls have been compelled to wear hijabs in conservative regions of the 270 million-strong archipelago nation. In 2021, Indonesia implemented a ban on mandatory dress codes in schools, including the obligation to wear a hijab.
The girls, all Muslims, attend SMPN 1, a state-owned junior high school located in the town of Lamongan in East Java. According to the headmaster, Harto (who prefers to be identified by a single name), an unidentified teacher carried out the act. The teacher has since been suspended, and the school issued an apology for the incident.
Harto explained that the girls had failed to wear inner caps underneath their headscarves, thereby allowing their fringes to be visible. Although there is no mandate for female students to wear hijabs, they are encouraged to wear inner caps for a tidier appearance. The school has assured that it will provide psychological support to the affected students.
However, rights groups are demanding stronger action, calling for the dismissal of the teacher responsible. Andreas Harsono, Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, described the incident in Lamongan as one of the most intimidating cases ever seen in the country. Harsono stated that no teachers who have previously cut their students’ hair have faced any consequences. He urged the education office in Lamongan to take appropriate disciplinary action against the teacher and provide psychological assistance to the victims.
This incident is not an isolated one. In a report released in 2021, rights groups highlighted similar cases where schoolgirls had their hijabs cut if not worn correctly, faced penalties, or even expulsion for non-compliance with hijab regulations. Indonesia officially recognizes six major religions, but there have been growing concerns about rising religious intolerance in this predominantly Muslim nation.
The issue of headscarves gained significant attention in 2021 when a Christian student in West Sumatra was pressured to wear a hijab, drawing attention to the broader problem of religious coercion. Officials referred to this incident as the “tip of the iceberg,” indicating the need for addressing the underlying issue of religious freedom and tolerance in Indonesia.
