An Indonesian school’s controversial decision to partially shave the heads of 14 girls has ignited outrage and debate over religious attire and student rights. The incident occurred in a state-owned junior high school, SMPN 1, situated in the East Java town of Lamongan. The girls were reportedly accused of wearing their Islamic hijab headscarves incorrectly.

The incident has raised concerns regarding the enforcement of hijab rules in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, particularly in conservative regions. The school’s headmaster, Harto, stated that the action was taken because the students did not wear inner caps under their headscarves, leaving their hair visible. While the school has issued an apology and suspended the teacher responsible, human rights activists are demanding more significant consequences.

This event highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding religious attire in Indonesian schools, even after a 2021 move to ban mandatory dress codes. The incident has sparked calls for a more comprehensive discussion on the rights of students and the role of religious clothing in educational institutions.