Fachrul Razi Apologizes for Niqab Ban

Polemic
Translator: 

Dewi Elvia Muthiariny

Editor: 
Laila Afifa
5 November 2019 21:13 WIB
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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi extended an apology for

his remarks regarding 'niqab and cropped trousers' that sparked controversy and
criticism among the public. The minister opined that he did not convey wrongful
statements.
 “I am sorry should it causes frictions. I think there is nothing wrong [with the remark].
Perhaps, I was just too early to bring it up,” said Fachrul during a meeting with
Commission VIII at Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Tuesday, November 5.
The retired general of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) claimed he intended to enliven
discussions on radicalism, which was not only about the Islamic clothing that covers
Muslim women’s face but also the caliphate. Thus, it could be a way of socialization
when the regulation is released.
“So we would have introduced [the regulation], and when it is issued, the public would
no longer surprise,” he added.
Fachrul Razi further asserted that the ban on the niqab and cropped trousers would
only take effect in the areas of the Religious Affairs Ministry.

 ACADEMIA
 EDITORIAL

Tempting niqab ban

 Editorial Board

The Jakarta Post

Jakarta   /   Fri, November 8, 2019   /   09:00 am
 Regardless of the complaints against Fachrul’s expected security approach as a former army
general, the government must indeed use all available resources to at least reduce the root of
extremism. (JP/Donny Fernando)

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In his early days, new Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi has had to issue an
apology for his announced plan to ban the cadar (full-faced veil), or niqab, for
women and cropped pants for men. Indeed they are both easily associated with
Muslim “radicals”, and worse, terrorists; these were the clothes worn by a couple
who attacked then-chief security minister Wiranto last month.

Ironically, some female family members of Wiranto himself wear the cadar, but he
has stated that as staunch nationalists, they have no intention of turning the
Indonesian republic into a caliphate or Islamic state, as is the stereotype for those
wearing such clothing.

Once again we must remind the government, and also fellow Indonesians, that
however much we seek state protection, interference into private choices such as
clothing must never be allowed. Further, bans on certain clothing have been
ineffective.

Four years after the coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 131 people, the
French, like citizens of other “liberal” nations, understandably have welcomed some
state control, including a national ban on the niqab. It is highly tempting to follow
suit, but Indonesians have the not-so-distant experience of authoritarianism, during
which Soeharto tried to ban the hijab — which is so commonplace today.

In the 1980s, Iran’s Islamic revolution fired up Muslims who felt suppressed and
black veils and gowns became visible across campuses despite a ban and despite
the students becoming ostracized. We agree with protesters against Fachrul’s
statement who said he should focus on other more important things, such as the
root of extremism, which President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is attempting to address
more seriously during his last term.
Just remember the protests involving the now-banned Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI),
which campaigned for a caliphate; most of the women did not wear a niqab, so the
stereotype is misleading.

Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has meanwhile

emphasized that the national uniform for civil servants has not changed — meaning
no full veils and cropped pants.

Regardless of the complaints against Fachrul’s expected security approach as a

former army general, the government must indeed use all available resources to at
least reduce the root of extremism.

Experts have pointed to groups that are marginalized, aggravated by social and
economic inequality and easily fueled by misleading religious interpretations. But
equally important is that the minister proves his worth in protecting freedom of faith
for all Indonesians.

The new government must show it is doing everything it can to revoke hundreds of
discriminative bylaws and policies, including the mandatory submission of at least 60
signatures to build a house of worship, which is often difficult in a Muslim-dominant
neighborhood.

Jokowi and his aides have a fresh opportunity to help Indonesians better understand
what it takes to live in this diverse archipelago. While attempting to root out
extremism, policies and gestures to protect each citizen will go a long way in
signaling that intolerant attitudes against minorities are unacceptable.

All Indonesians should be able to take for granted their freedom of choice, their
freedom of worship.