Unhan Issues Latest Circular on Muslim Female Cadets Wearing Hijab
The Indonesian Defence University (Unhan) has issued its latest circular regarding the permission for female cadets to wear the hijab during their education. Under Circular Number SE/201/VIII/2026 on the Use of Hijab for Muslim Female Undergraduate and Diploma III Cadets within Unhan RI, the wearing of hijab is permitted in all activities.
However, its use is regulated to ensure it conforms to Unhan uniforms. a. Wearing a black hijab with official duty uniforms. b. Wearing the hijab neatly, without compromising safety and without hindering educational and training operations.
“c. The black hijab referred to in point 2a is only temporary until an official hijab design is established by Unhan RI,” stated the announcement of the latest circular, signed by Vice Rector II for Finance and General Affairs, Air Vice Marshal Yusran Lubis, in Jakarta on Monday (24/8/2026).
The basis for this provision refers to Presidential Regulation Number 5 of 2011 on Unhan as a Government-Organised Higher Education Institution and Unhan Rector Regulation Number 28 of 2025 on Guidelines for Unhan Cadet Life. It also cites a press release from the Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General Number SP/17/VIII/2026/Roinfohan regarding the Ministry of Defence’s affirmation that there is no prohibition on hijab use for Unhan cadets.
In connection with these foundations, it was conveyed to the heads of sub-units within Unhan that, in order to place the value of piety as part of the cadet honour code, cadets are directed to become religious individuals in accordance with their respective faiths, both in official duties and personal life.
“Furthermore, performing worship and mental development are also firmly established as one of the rights of cadets during their education at Unhan,” the circular stated. Accordingly, said Air Vice Marshal Yusran, all Muslim female undergraduate and Diploma III cadets are permitted to wear the hijab in all educational and training activities at Unhan RI.