University of Defense faces controversy over hijab requirements

Asma Wafa Ahdina, a successful candidate for the Military Medicine program at the University of Defense (Unhan), has withdrawn from the program following reports that female cadets are required to remove their hijabs during training. Wafa stated that while no written rule exists in the official contract, she received verbal instructions during academic interviews and briefings suggesting the requirement was a directive from a former Minister of Defense.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has denied any official ban on the hijab. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait clarified that Unhan regulations emphasize piety and religious freedom. He explained that during specific Basic Military Training (Latsarmil) activities, technical adjustments regarding headwear may be implemented for safety and mobility reasons, but these are not intended as religious restrictions. He noted that female Muslim cadets may wear hijabs in residential areas and during most daily activities.