ICMI Women Appreciate Defence Minister's Policy Allowing Female Defence University Cadets to Wear Hijab
The women’s wing of the Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) has expressed appreciation for the decision by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia to allow all female cadets at the Defence University (Unhan) to wear the hijab during their education.
Chairwoman of the Central Board of ICMI Women, Welya Safitri, affirmed that the policy represents a progressive step in respecting religious rights while strengthening the value of diversity within the defence education environment.
“We welcome the Defence Minister’s policy with gratitude and joy. This is proof of his commitment to respecting religious rights while strengthening the role of Muslim women in the defence sector,” she said in a statement on Monday (24/8/2026).
ICMI Women assessed that this decision demonstrates that military discipline can go hand in hand with the practice of religious teachings.
Furthermore, the policy is believed to strengthen the spirit of nationalism and professionalism among female cadets, while setting an example that religiosity does not conflict with the duties of national defence.
The organisation also called on all parties to support policies that are friendly towards Muslim women, whether in education, the workplace, or public spaces.
This momentum is expected to inspire other educational institutions to be more inclusive and respectful of religious rights.
With this policy in place, ICMI Women affirmed its commitment to continue overseeing policies that favour women, families, and Islamic values in order to realise a nation of character, civility, and justice.
“The freedom to wear the hijab for Muslim women in the TNI, Polri, and all institutions is a programme we have long championed, culminating in the designation of 8 March as National Hijab Day,” Welya explained.
The former member of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and Deputy Secretary-General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) also noted that the clarification letter from the Ministry of Defence clearly stated that the hijab is prohibited during training at the Military Academy (AKMIL).
“Whatever the reason, this violates Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution. The internal affairs of the Ministry of Defence must be rectified, as there should be no controversy, let alone a ban on wearing the hijab for any Muslim woman in any profession,” Welya asserted.
Regarding the technical argument that the hijab would hinder Muslim women’s movement during basic military training, Welya considered it unacceptable, as many Muslim-majority countries have formidable female soldiers who wear the hijab and train with adapted models that remain flexible in the field.
“There are also many Muslim female athletes in martial arts who have achieved success without removing their hijab,” she added.
Welya expressed hope that the Defence Minister would oversee the implementation of the policy on the ground and reinstate Muslim female cadets who were forced to withdraw from their education due to the previous policy.
“These cadets must not be cornered, let alone intimidated for having the courage to stand up for their religious beliefs,” Welya concluded.