The Hijab’s Tale: Mothers and daughters reflect on Padang mandatory hijab rule controversy
The Jakarta Post
Some schools in Indonesia still require their female students to wear a hijab, including non-Muslim ones. Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim spoke out against the rule after a viral video of a father arguing with a school representative that his non-Muslim daughter should not have to wear a hijab made its way around the net. (AFP/Juni Kriswanto)
Every morning, Fathiya Sabila, 17, places a scarf over her head with its two corners draped over her shoulders and folds it into a triangle to cover her chest.
“Then I will bid farewell to my parents and go to school,” said Fathiya, who attends SMAIT Cordova, a private Islamic high school in Tangerang, Banten.
Fathiya started wearing a hijab in third grade and never once felt forced.
“Muslim girls are obligated to wear a hijab because that is Allah’s rule when you come of age. Period,” she said.
In contrast, Karra Lupita, a 28-year-old video editor in Jakarta, never wore a hijab as a student nor plans to do so as an adult.
“I don’t think I will [wear a hijab]. That’s just not me,” said Karra, who is Muslim but like many, attended Catholic private schools.
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