Politicians jump on controversial 'hijab' ban

Jakarta, NU Online
The brouhaha over the National Police’s ban on the hijab (headscarf) is about to get political with the House of Representatives’ Commission III on human rights planning to summon National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo to offer clarification on the policy.<>

Members of Commission III are expected to hold a meeting with Timur on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

Muslim and human rights activists have called on Timur to revoke a 2005 regulation issued by his predecessor, Gen. Sutanto, that prohibits female officers, excluding those stationed in Aceh, from wearing hijab.

Critics say the ban infringes on the basic rights and freedom of Muslim women on the force.

Nasir Jamil, a lawmaker from the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), was among the first to voice his criticism.

“The regulation must be revoked because it contradicts the 2002 National Police Law,” he said on Monday.

Nasir said that according to Article 21 of the law, the force must respect its members’ strong faith in God.

“Donning a hijab is evidence that a policewoman has faith in God,” he was quoted by The Jakarta Post as saying.

Nasir also acknowledged, however, that a hijab could compromise the work of a woman officer, especially when dealing with interfaith conflicts.

But the lawmaker said that in most cases, hijab-wearing policewomen could perform their tasks effectively.

“Female police personnel rarely handle such cases. Most of them are tasked with dealing with domestic violence and child abuse cases,” he said.

Outspoken Democratic Party lawmaker Ruhut Sitompul said he would remain neutral on the issue and let Timur make the decision.

“The police know what is best for them. Therefore, whatever step they take, we will support them,” he said.

National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Agus Rianto confirmed that a meeting had been scheduled between Timur and Commission III lawmakers.

Earlier, National Police Commission (Kompolnas) member Adrianus Meliala said that senior officials in the National Police were planning to amend the regulation in response to the protests.

“They will issue a regulation that allows women police officers to wear the hijab, but they have to be taken off during official ceremonies,” he said.

Policewomen in Aceh are excluded from the regulation due to the province’s 2001 sharia bylaws that oblige all women to cover their hair.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq