In A First, Indonesia Bans Forced Religious Attire In Schools

Forced religious attire: In a bid to restore religious freedom in the country, Indonesia has directed public schools to revoke compulsory religious attire rules.

This comes after a Christian student spoke up against the mandatory headscarf rule in class. The girl, 16, was asked to wear a headscarf like all students. 

The government of Indonesia has given a 30-day window to schools during which they will have to revoke such rules. This marks the first time Muslim-majority country Indonesia has taken an official step to recognise religious diversity in the country. 

Public schools which will not comply with the state orders may have to face sanctions. Education and Culture Minister of Indonesia, Nadiem Makarim said that wearing a religious attire is an individual right and its not the school's decision. 

The 16-year-old who spoke up against forced religious attire

The story of a Christian student being forced to wear a headscarf in the class went viral recently. She was attending school in Padang and was pressured to comply with the mandatory rule. Refusing to which, her parents were called in to meet the school officials. The girl's parents recorded the meeting with a hidden camera and released it on social media. 

This sparked a major debate on social media sites as many criticised the school for taking away the girl's religious rights. 

The school official in the viral video was heard saying that whether Muslim or not, all girls in the school must wear headscarves in school. 

The girl's father Elianu Hia spoke to BBC News Indonesia and claimed that his daughter was being summoned everyday for not wearing a headscarf and every time she told the officials that she is not a Muslim. "Where are my religious rights? This is a public school after all," he said. 

The principal of the school later apologised during a press conference and assured that the girl will be allowed to wear what she wants. 

Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas at a media briefing on Wednesday said, " Religions do not promote conflict, neither do they justify acting unfairly against those who are different." 

Indonesia is a country with the world's largest Muslim population. It has officially recognised six religions and has credited pluralism in Pancasila, the country's philosophy.