Church group complains over compulsory 'jilbab'

The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) complained to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that non-Muslim female students were obliged to wear the jilbab (Muslim head scarf) in schools in Padang, West Sumatra.

The complaint was made by PGI leader Andreas Yewangoe during a meeting with the President on Tuesday afternoon in Jakarta. In response, Susilo ordered Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni to look into the case on Tuesday.

Andreas said the obligation to wear jilbab was based on a circular recently issued by the Padang mayor. "We appreciate the fact that Muslims are obliged (to wear the Islamic head covering). But it must not be imposed on non-Muslim students," he said after the meeting. --JP