Indonesia bans mandatory Islamic 'hijab' scarves for schoolgirls

13 Sept 08:55 Key points summarised by AI

Indonesia's education minister has issued a decree banning state schools from making Islamic headscarves (hijabs) mandatory for girls, emphasizing that religious attire is an individual choice.
This significant policy change follows public outrage sparked by a Christian student in West Sumatra who was pressured to wear a hijab, bringing to light long-standing concerns about religious intolerance.
Schools that fail to comply with the new regulations will face sanctions, including potential cuts to government funding, aiming to protect students' rights and prevent coercion.
Human rights activists have widely applauded the ban, highlighting that it addresses years of intimidation, bullying, and forced compliance faced by non-Muslim girls and women teachers in public schools.
The new regulations will not apply to Aceh province, which operates under its own religious law due to a longstanding autonomy deal.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.