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Indonesian Defense University Issues Regulation on Hijab Use for Muslim Female Cadets
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Indonesian Defense University Issues Regulation on Hijab Use for Muslim Female Cadets

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Indonesian Defense University (Unhan) has issued a regulation allowing Muslim female cadets to wear hijabs during educational and training activities.
  • The regulation specifies that the hijab should be black and worn neatly, without compromising safety or hindering training operations.
  • This decision follows previous clarifications from the Ministry of Defense regarding the use of hijabs for Muslim female cadets.

The Indonesian Defense University (Unhan) has officially permitted Muslim female cadets to wear hijabs as part of their uniforms during educational and training activities. This directive is outlined in a Rector's Circular Letter No. SE/201/VIII/2026, issued on August 24.

The university emphasizes the importance of religious devotion as a component of the Cadet Code of Honor, encouraging cadets to practice their faith according to their beliefs, both in official duties and personal life. The circular explicitly states that observing religious practices and mental development are recognized rights for cadets during their time at Unhan.

Therefore, it is announced that S-1 and D-3 Muslim female cadets are permitted to use the hijab in all educational and training activities at Unhan RI.

— Unhan Rector's Circular LetterThe official statement from the university announcing the permission for Muslim female cadets to wear hijabs.

"Therefore, it is announced that S-1 and D-3 Muslim female cadets are permitted to use the hijab in all educational and training activities at Unhan RI," the circular states. Specific guidelines are provided for the hijab's use: it must be black when worn with the official uniform, neat, and must not pose a security risk or impede training operations. The circular notes that the black hijab is a temporary measure until an official Unhan hijab design is finalized.

The black hijab is only temporary until an official hijab design is determined by Unhan RI.

— Unhan Rector's Circular LetterA detail from the circular regarding the temporary nature of the black hijab.

Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defense Ministry's Information Bureau, confirmed the circular's authenticity. He explained that the edict is a follow-up to directives from the Minister of Defense and previous official clarifications concerning the use of hijabs by Muslim female cadets.

Sirait reiterated that the regulation permits Muslim female cadets to wear hijabs in all university activities. He stressed that the current black hijab is temporary and must be worn neatly, ensuring it does not compromise safety or interfere with educational and training activities, pending the official design.

This circular confirms that S-1 and D-3 Muslim female cadets are allowed to use the hijab in all educational and training activities at Unhan RI.

— Brigadier General Rico Ricardo SiraitThe Head of the Defense Ministry's Information Bureau confirmed the university's decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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