Defense Ministry Denies Hijab Ban for Female Unhan Cadets
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has denied reports of a ban on wearing hijabs for female cadets at the Defense University (Unhan). This statement responds to the account of Asma Wafa Andina, a prospective medical student at Unhan, who said she withdrew in August 2026 because she was required to remove her hijab during training.
Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Ministry’s Information Bureau, stressed that Unhan Rector Regulation No. 28 of 2025 does not prohibit the use of hijabs. The regulation actually places piety as part of the cadet honor code, and guarantees the right to worship and mental guidance.
As for the Basic Military Training (Latsarmil) at the Military Academy in Magelang, not wearing a hijab is a technical arrangement in certain activities for safety and security, not a restriction on belief. In daily life and internships, Muslim female cadets can still wear the hijab.
The Indonesian Minister of Defense has directed adjustments to uniform provisions to accommodate the use of hijabs in a uniform and proportional manner. The Ministry is committed to evaluating education to develop defense human resources that are professional, disciplined, and uphold religious values and diversity.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/08/