The Jakarta Post
A recent uproar surrounding a state high school in Padang, West Sumatra that requires all female students, including non-Muslims, to wear a hijab has led to concerns that this might not be an isolated case, with other schools across the country implementing similar rules. The issue came to light after a female non-Muslim student of SMK 2 state vocational high school in Padang refused to obey her school’s policy to wear a hijab during an online class. The student, identified only as JCH, was not the only one, as other non-Muslim students also refused to adhere to the rule. The school reportedly punished them for refusing to don the head covering, prompting protests from some parents. A video showing JCH’s parents going to the school to protest the rule went viral on social media last week, sparking debate among Indonesian internet users. The school’s hea...