The Jakarta Post, August 24, 2005
Church group complains over compulsory 'jilbab'
The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) complained to President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono that non-Muslim female students were obliged to wear the jilbab
(Muslim head scarf) in schools in Padang, West Sumatra.
The complaint was made by PGI leader Andreas Yewangoe during a meeting with the
President on Tuesday afternoon in Jakarta. In response, Susilo ordered Minister of
Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni to look into the case on Tuesday.
Andreas said the obligation to wear jilbab was based on a circular recently issued by
the Padang mayor. "We appreciate the fact that Muslims are obliged (to wear the
Islamic head covering). But it must not be imposed on non-Muslim students," he said
after the meeting. --JP
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