Indonesian Policewomen Can Wear Hijab While on Duty
Muslim leaders in Indonesia have welcomed a recent decision by the national police to allow policewomen to wear the hijab while on duty, a move that promises to quell long-standing complaints.
On June 20th, National Police chief Timur Pradopo announced that he would revoke the ban, and he has since assigned a team to draft new rules on policewomen and hijab, The Jakarta Post reported.
"The team has been assigned to study public opinion and input from female officers. It will also consider suggestions from religious experts," National Police spokesman Ronny F. Sompie said.
Many Indonesians opposed the ban on wearing hijab by policewomen on duty, imposed in 2005 across the country, except in the province of Aceh.
Political parties and Islamic organisations such as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) had been calling for the restriction to be revoked.
MUI Deputy Secretary-General Amir Shah told Khabar he is pleased by the recent decision by the Indonesian Police (POLRI).
"From the beginning, we (MUI) disagreed with the ban. I am glad that POLRI has reviewed the decision. They do not have any right to ban policewomen from wearing hijab while performing their duties," Amir said. "They are working to be good Muslims and good employees."
Source: Khabar South Asia
"The team has been assigned to study public opinion and input from female officers. It will also consider suggestions from religious experts," National Police spokesman Ronny F. Sompie said.
Many Indonesians opposed the ban on wearing hijab by policewomen on duty, imposed in 2005 across the country, except in the province of Aceh.
Political parties and Islamic organisations such as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) had been calling for the restriction to be revoked.
MUI Deputy Secretary-General Amir Shah told Khabar he is pleased by the recent decision by the Indonesian Police (POLRI).
"From the beginning, we (MUI) disagreed with the ban. I am glad that POLRI has reviewed the decision. They do not have any right to ban policewomen from wearing hijab while performing their duties," Amir said. "They are working to be good Muslims and good employees."
Source: Khabar South Asia
