'Practice of religion is an individual right'<\/p>\n
The West Jakarta mayor's decision to require public school
\nstudents to wear Muslim attire on Fridays and religious days has
\ncreated a storm of controversy. The Jakarta Post interview
\nmembers of the public to get their views on this controversial
\nissue.<\/p>\n
Wirnadi, 35, a newspaper vendor who lives on Jl. Pulau Kenanga
\nRaya, South Jakarta, with his wife and two sons.<\/p>\n
\"I haven't heard about the West Jakarta mayor's decision to
\noblige students at all state elementary schools and high schools
\nin the mayoralty to wear Muslim attire on Fridays and religious
\ndays.<\/p>\n
I think it's a good policy. If girls wear headscarves they
\nwill learn how to act more appropriately, as will boys. I agree
\nwith that.<\/p>\n
Wearing Muslim clothes might also help cut down on student
\nbrawls because it would be embarrassing for students to fight
\nwearing such clothes.<\/p>\n
However, it won't guarantee better morals. That depends on the
\ncharacter of the students themselves, not how they dress. And
\nsuch a policy won't immediately eliminate the student brawls that
\nfrequently happen in the city.<\/p>\n
Police should take firmer action by shooting such students in
\nthe leg. Otherwise the police will not be respected.<\/p>\n
R.W. Siregar, 42, a Muslim who works at a private company in
\nKebayoran, South Jakarta. One of his children attends a state
\nhigh school.<\/p>\n
\"The practice of religion is an individual right. The state
\nhas nothing to do with it besides ensuring citizens have the
\nfreedom to practice their religion.<\/p>\n
I think it (the policy requiring students to wear Muslim
\nattire) is a kind of state intervention into the private lives of
\ncitizens.<\/p>\n
Beside, what's the point of the rule? It's obviously
\nridiculous if the mayoralty thinks students will have better
\nmorals if they are required to wear Muslim attire on Fridays.<\/p>\n
It reminds me of a suggestion made by a company several years
\nago that all students be required to wear a certain type of shoe
\nin order to reduce the social gap.<\/p>\n
Junita Dewi, 30, has worn a Muslim dress and headscarf since
\nshe was in her third year at a university in Bandung, West Java.<\/p>\n
\"I think wearing Muslim attire is God's calling. Before I
\ndecided to wear a headscarf every day, I gave it a lot of
\nthought.<\/p>\n
Wearing the Muslim headscarf has consequences. But the most
\nimportant thing is that a person's behavior does not go against
\nwhat is said in the Koran and Hadiths.<\/p>\n
It is not an easy thing. I believe people must understand the
\nissue before deciding to wear a headscarf. Therefore, it is
\nrather ridiculous that the West Jakarta mayoralty is asking
\nstudents to wear Muslim attire on Fridays. -- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/practice-of-religion-is-an-individual-right-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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