'Practice of religion is an individual right'

'Practice of religion is an individual right'

The West Jakarta mayor's decision to require public school
students to wear Muslim attire on Fridays and religious days has
created a storm of controversy. The Jakarta Post interview
members of the public to get their views on this controversial
issue.

Wirnadi, 35, a newspaper vendor who lives on Jl. Pulau Kenanga
Raya, South Jakarta, with his wife and two sons.

"I haven't heard about the West Jakarta mayor's decision to
oblige students at all state elementary schools and high schools
in the mayoralty to wear Muslim attire on Fridays and religious
days.

I think it's a good policy. If girls wear headscarves they
will learn how to act more appropriately, as will boys. I agree
with that.

Wearing Muslim clothes might also help cut down on student
brawls because it would be embarrassing for students to fight
wearing such clothes.

However, it won't guarantee better morals. That depends on the
character of the students themselves, not how they dress. And
such a policy won't immediately eliminate the student brawls that
frequently happen in the city.

Police should take firmer action by shooting such students in
the leg. Otherwise the police will not be respected.

R.W. Siregar, 42, a Muslim who works at a private company in
Kebayoran, South Jakarta. One of his children attends a state
high school.

"The practice of religion is an individual right. The state
has nothing to do with it besides ensuring citizens have the
freedom to practice their religion.

I think it (the policy requiring students to wear Muslim
attire) is a kind of state intervention into the private lives of
citizens.

Beside, what's the point of the rule? It's obviously
ridiculous if the mayoralty thinks students will have better
morals if they are required to wear Muslim attire on Fridays.

It reminds me of a suggestion made by a company several years
ago that all students be required to wear a certain type of shoe
in order to reduce the social gap.

Junita Dewi, 30, has worn a Muslim dress and headscarf since
she was in her third year at a university in Bandung, West Java.

"I think wearing Muslim attire is God's calling. Before I
decided to wear a headscarf every day, I gave it a lot of
thought.

Wearing the Muslim headscarf has consequences. But the most
important thing is that a person's behavior does not go against
what is said in the Koran and Hadiths.

It is not an easy thing. I believe people must understand the
issue before deciding to wear a headscarf. Therefore, it is
rather ridiculous that the West Jakarta mayoralty is asking
students to wear Muslim attire on Fridays. -- JP