Hijab requirement controversy at Indonesia's Unhan

A controversy emerged at the University of Defense (Unhan) in Indonesia after a prospective Military Medicine student, Asma Wafa Ahdina, withdrew from the program. The withdrawal followed reports that female cadets were verbally instructed to remove their hijabs during training, a directive allegedly stemming from a former Minister of Defense, despite no such written rule in official contracts.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense denied an official ban, with Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait stating that regulations emphasize religious freedom. He clarified that while technical adjustments to headwear might occur during Basic Military Training for safety and mobility, female Muslim cadets are permitted to wear hijabs in residential areas and during most daily activities.

Following these reports, Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) expressed support for the right of Unhan cadets to wear the hijab. Vice Chairman Sukamta noted that Rector Regulation Number 28 of 2025 contains no prohibition against the practice. He suggested that hijab styles could be adapted to meet safety and mobility requirements during physical activities, similar to models used by athletes, and called for consistent enforcement of these rules to prevent deviations.