Joint Ministerial Decree Prohibits Compulsory Religious Attributes in Indonesian Schools

The Decree stipulates that provincial administrations or state schools are required to comply with the policy within 30 days after it goes into effect on February 3.

The institutions, as well as officials such as governors, regents, mayors or school principals, will also face sanctions if they failed to comply with the policy. The sanctions range from verbal and written warnings to guidance on practicing more moderate forms of belief.

The controversy started after a state school in the city of Padang, West Sumatra forced a Christian student to wear the hijab in the end of January, on grounds that it has long been a requirement.

However, a video of the student’s parents protesting the decision went viral, turning the issue into a nationwide controversy. The school has since backed down from its stance, with the principal issuing an apology over the issue.

(Writers/Editors: Rakhmat Nur Hakim, Dian Ihsan)

Sources: 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/03/22244651/skb-3-menteri-pemda-dan-sekolah-tak-boleh-wajibkan-atau-larang-seragam?page=all#page2. 

https://www.kompas.com/edu/read/2021/02/03/225638671/skb-3-menteri-menag-optimis-kuatkan-toleransi-di-sekolah?page=all#page2. 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/04/02264891/ini-sanksi-bagi-pemda-dan-sekolah-yang-wajibkan-atau-larang-seragam.