The history of the hijab in Indonesia—often locally referred to as the jilbab or kerudung —is a story of shifting political and social landscapes.
Following the regime's end, a surge in religious expression and the 2010 establishment of the Hijaber Community (HC) by designers like Dian Pelangi sparked a fashion revolution. Defining the Aesthetic: Local Heritage Meets Modernity
Historically, women in regions like South Sulawesi (17th century) and Java (early 1900s) wore variations of head coverings, often loosely draped as a selendang (shawl).
Under the Suharto regime, the hijab faced political restrictions and was even banned in public schools during the 1980s.
Indonesian Hijab Fashion and Culture: A Global Trendsetter Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has transformed the hijab from a traditional religious garment into a dynamic symbol of modern identity and a multi-billion dollar fashion industry. The country is currently ranked as the to the global modest fashion ecosystem, with the Indonesian government positioning the nation to become the definitive global hub for Muslim fashion by 2024. The Evolution of the Indonesian Hijab
What sets Indonesian hijab fashion apart is the "Adapted not just Adopted" philosophy. Designers blend Islamic principles with Indonesia's rich textile heritage. Best Indonesia Local Clothing Brands: Streetwear & Fashion
I design interfaces for computer software but I also like to draw Bible pictures to teach children in my church. I have been able to contribute images to this project so other teachers around the world can use them.
Marian van der Kruijt, The Netherlands