'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