South Sulawesi Principal Demoted After Banning Students from Wearing Hijabs, Claiming It Was a Joke

The principal of SMPN 2 Bonggakaradeng in Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, has been demoted and removed from her structural position. The sanction was imposed after she banned female students from wearing hijabs.

Tana Toraja Regent Zadrak Tombeg confirmed he had signed the disciplinary action on Monday (3/8/2026). “I have signed the sanction,” he said. The decision was based on the results of an investigation and a recommendation from the Tana Toraja civil service disciplinary team.

Tana Toraja Regional Secretary Rudhy Andi Lolo stated that the principal received a demotion in rank, from a senior teacher level to a junior teacher level, and was also removed from her structural position as head of the school. “The punishment is a demotion in rank, from ahli madya to ahli muda, and dismissal from the structural position of principal,” Rudhy explained. He added that the principal would be transferred to another school, a process to be handled by the Tana Toraja Education Office.

The principal claimed her comments were misunderstood and that she was only joking. “I have already apologised and will not repeat it. I have also met with the students’ parents at the school,” she said, insisting, “I did not forbid them, I was only joking.”

However, students reported that the ban had been enforced for some time. One student stated that the principal had recently reprimanded them after a flag ceremony, saying, “If you don’t want to follow the rules, you might as well go to a madrasah.” The students also claimed that seven Muslim students were intimidated and prohibited from participating in the upcoming Independence Day marching competition if they continued to wear their hijabs.