Church group complains over compulsory 'jilbab'

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