Indonesia's top Islamic clerical body warned men on Monday not to wear women's clothing during Independence Day festivities [2].
The warning from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) highlights the tension between traditional religious interpretations and the lighthearted customs often seen during national celebrations.
The council issued the guidance on Aug. 10, 2026 [2], stating that the practice of men wearing dresses, often done for comedic effect during local games and competitions, is forbidden. The body categorized the act as haram, which means forbidden under Islamic law [1].
According to the MUI, the practice is contrary to Islamic values and traditions [2]. The council said that maintaining these boundaries is essential for the community's religious integrity.
"It is haram to wear women's clothing during Independence Day celebrations," a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ulema Council said [3].
The council further said that the practice is haram and goes against their religious values [2]. This directive comes as communities across Indonesia prepare for the annual festivities that mark the nation's independence.
While the warning was issued this week, some media coverage accompanying the news utilized archival imagery from 2023 [1]. The MUI has not specified if there will be legal penalties for those who ignore the warning, but the clerical body's guidance often carries significant social weight in Indonesia.
“"It is haram to wear women's clothing during Independence Day celebrations."”
The MUI's intervention reflects a broader effort by Indonesia's influential clerical leadership to enforce strict gender norms and religious orthodoxy. By targeting Independence Day festivities—events typically characterized by folk games and community satire—the council is signaling that religious prohibitions override cultural traditions of humor and performance.
