Tana Toraja Principal Bans Hijab, MUI Calls It a Human Rights Violation
The South Sulawesi branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has responded to the prohibition of female Muslim students wearing the hijab by the head of SMP Negeri 2 Bonggakaradeng in Tana Toraja Regency, asserting that the act constitutes a violation of human rights.
MUI Sulsel Secretary-General Muammar Bakry stated that the freedom to practise one’s religion is a constitutional right that must be respected, including within state school environments. He added that the hijab is part of religious teachings and is guaranteed as a right for every Muslim woman.
“In Indonesia, religion is a human right. Everything related to a person’s religious practice must be respected,” Muammar told CNNIndonesia.com on Thursday (30/7).
Muammar explained that wearing the hijab in Islam is not merely a fashion choice but an obligation for Muslim women. Therefore, a ban on wearing the hijab is considered a form of restriction on religious freedom.
“In Islam, the hijab is an obligation that must be worn by Muslim women. Because of this, the hijab is a human right for Muslim women. The party that prohibits the use of the hijab can actually be categorised as committing a human rights violation,” he clarified.
“As long as it does not cause disruption or concern, there should be no prohibition,” he added.
According to Muammar, if the prohibition was indeed carried out by the school, the action cannot be justified, especially since the school is a state institution that should guarantee the rights of every student regardless of their religious background.
“If it is true that a school principal prohibited her students from wearing the hijab, that is certainly not justifiable. Moreover, this is a state school,” he said.
Previously, the Head of SMP Negeri 2 Bonggakaradeng, Naomi, claimed that the prohibition of female students wearing the hijab was only a joke.
“I did not prohibit it, I was only joking,” said Naomi when confirmed on Wednesday (29/7).
Naomi claimed to have conveyed an apology to the students’ parents. She also admitted to having reported the matter to the South Sulawesi MUI and the Tana Toraja Regency Government.
“I have apologised and will not repeat it. I have also met with the students’ parents at the school,” she stated.
Meanwhile, parents of the students said the prohibition on wearing the hijab had been ongoing for several months. The situation peaked on Monday (27/7), when the principal reprimanded seven students who continued to wear the hijab at the school, which has a non-Muslim majority.
In a meeting with parents, the principal reportedly stated that SMP Negeri 2 Bonggakaradeng is a state school, not a madrasah.
“She said this is a state school, not a madrasah,” said one parent, MS.
Parents also claimed that the students were threatened with being barred from extracurricular activity selections and were asked to transfer schools if they continued to wear the hijab.