Indonesia: Mayor of Sumatran city orders all students to dress according to Islamic norms

July 16, 2009

Indonesia: Mayor of Sumatran city orders all students to dress according to Islamic norms

As described below, the ruling is part of a campaign to attract Malay and particularly Muslim investment, indicating that this will most likely not be the mayor's last move toward Sharia. Never mind that "the decision 'is contrary to the Constitution of 1945' because all legislation must be 'general' and not specifically relate 'to a particular religious confession'."

Sharia Alert. "Christians in Sumatra: jilbab norm, an excuse to introduce the Shariah," by Mathias Hariyadi for AsiaNews, July 16:

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Jilbab is not part of Indonesian culture, but comes from the Arab tradition, to impose a form of dress that conforms to the precepts of Islam reveals "a project to introduce Shariah" and is a blatant "abuse of power." That is the reaction of Christians in Pekanbaru, capital of Riau province, Sumatra, to the local mayor’s decision to make the traditional clothing that leaves only the face uncovered mandatory by law.

"I strongly oppose the idea,” says a local Christian, speaking on the condition of anonymity for security reasons - of imposing the Muslim attires to any students in Pekanbaru”. He stresses that the decision "is contrary to the Constitution of 1945" because all legislation must be "general" and not specifically relate "to a particular religious confession." Another resident - also under conditions of anonymity - adds that "the introduction of the law is just one more step towards the full implementation of Islamic law in the city" and an example "of abuse of power."

The dispute stems from the decision by Erizal Muluk, Mayor of Pekanbaru, to introduce a dress code that conforms to Islamic precepts for students in the city. The rule came into force July 13 last, and is valid for the school year 2009/10, involving students from elementary to higher school level.

The mayor says that the law applies to the families of Muslim faith and aims to "restore the local cultural identity", as part of a larger project entitled Pekanbaru's vision for 2021. It aims to transform the provincial capital into a centre for education, business and services Malay culture, closely bond to Muslim tradition. [...]

Most representatives of the local Islamic community favour the law, describing it as a "good" decision. With some exceptions: a group of women from the town complain that the norm- which imposes a complete wardrobe change – places a "significant burden" on the family budget.

I don't think the government would impose the rule on the christians also,I think it might be mandatory to war decent clothing rather then a hijab it self. I feel it should be seen in a positive way.