State Apparatus Empowerment, Bureaucratic Reforms Minister not to Issue Ban on Niqab in Gov’t Offices

Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reforms Tjahjo Kumolo responds to reporters’ questions after joining a limited meeting, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (31/10). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reforms Tjahjo Kumolo is not against a suggestion proposed by Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi to ban niqab in government offices, yet the Minister said that he has no plan to impose the suggestion to all civil state apparatus (PNS).

“I think each head of ministries/institutions, or even head of private companies has their own dress code policies or rules of ethics. For instance, PNS should wear white shirts or wearing batik according to regulations applied in their respective offices,” Tjahjo said after joining a limited meeting, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (31/10).

Regarding the possibility to issue the ban, Tjahjo said that each institutional head has regulations that must be obeyed by all employees. Women are allowed to wear niqab but in their own houses. If they are employees, they must comply with the regulations of their institutions.

The Minister also confirmed that he will not issue the ban on niqab in government offices to all PNS. The right to issue regulation will be given to each heads of the ministries/institutions. (FID/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani