(headscarf) has evolved from a personal religious choice into a complex symbol of identity, social belonging, and political tension. The discourse surrounding it reflects broader shifts in Indonesian culture, ranging from the rise of "halal lifestyle" trends to significant human rights concerns regarding mandatory dress codes. Social and Cultural Context The "Conservative Turn"
has documented widespread regulations requiring female students, civil servants, and visitors to government offices to wear the jilbab Bullying and Pressure jilbab mesum 19 verified
Before diving into the issues, one must understand the context. Under the authoritarian New Order regime of President Suharto (1966–1998), the jilbab was effectively banned in public schools and government offices. It was viewed as a symbol of political Islam, which the regime sought to suppress. Post-1998 Reformasi (reformation), the jilbab exploded as an expression of newfound religious and political freedom. (headscarf) has evolved from a personal religious choice