MoD Clarifies: Hijab Removal During Basic Military Training So They Can Move Freely
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin responded to a social media post about a female cadet at the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan) who quit after being asked to remove her hijab. He said Muslim cadets can wear the hijab during their education, and the ministry has never banned it. This lines up with uniform adjustment guidelines that accommodate the hijab for female Muslim cadets.
Regarding the rule to remove the hijab during basic military training at the Military Academy in Magelang, the ministry explained it’s for safety so cadets can move more freely. In daily life, Muslim cadets can still wear the hijab in their dorms, during certain off-campus activities, and while interning.
The ministry stressed there’s no intention to limit religious principles or symbols. Cadets are guided to practice their respective religions and live by their teachings both in service and personal life.
Earlier, a confession went viral on the Instagram account @wafaahdina, saying she quit Unhan after being told by a screener to remove her hijab.
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