DPR: Hijab at Defence University Must No Longer Be a Polemic
Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission I Sukamta has urged the Defence University (Unhan) to ensure there is no gap between written regulations and practice on the ground regarding the wearing of the hijab by female Muslim cadets. He stressed that the freedom to wear the hijab, already guaranteed in Unhan’s internal rules, must be applied consistently, including during basic military training.
Sukamta expressed support for Unhan Rector Regulation Number 28 of 2025 concerning the Code of Conduct for Defence University Cadets, which contains no prohibition on wearing the hijab.
“I urge that the space for the freedom to wear the hijab be maintained consistently down to the level of implementation in the field,” Sukamta said in Jakarta on Monday (24/8/2026).
According to the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician, official duties and physical training should not have to be pitted against religious obligations. Current hijab models have developed and can be adapted to the needs of activities requiring high mobility.
He cited basic military training as an example. Female Muslim cadets, according to Sukamta, should still be able to wear the hijab as long as the model used meets safety requirements and does not hinder movement during training.
He said similar practices can be found in the world of sport. Many Muslim athletes remain able to compete wearing hijabs with designs adapted to the needs of physical activity.
Therefore, according to Sukamta, the main issue is no longer whether the hijab can be used in physical activities, but rather how Unhan prepares clothing standards that simultaneously meet the needs of official duty, safety and the religious beliefs of cadets.
“All relevant parties at Unhan must be in line with the regulation and there must no longer be any deviation in its implementation,” Sukamta said.
The polemic also tests Unhan’s consistency in implementing its own regulations. If the rector’s regulation has opened space for the use of the hijab, policies at the stages of selection, education and field training should have the same standards so as not to give rise to different interpretations at the implementing level.
This certainty is important because cadet life has a strict chain of command and discipline. Differences between official policy and instructions in the field have the potential to place students in a difficult position when they must choose between obeying official orders and practising their religious beliefs.
Sukamta reminded that the Unhan Rector Regulation actually places the value of piety as part of the cadet honour code. Therefore, he assessed that official life should not eliminate space for cadets to practise their respective religious teachings.