Jakarta. A government agency responsible for organizing the prestigious flag-hoisting team announced on Thursday that female Muslim members of the team will be allowed to wear hijabs, reversing a previous decision that had sparked widespread condemnation in the predominantly Muslim nation.

The Agency for the Implementation of Pancasila Ideology (BPIP) had earlier mandated that female Muslims selected for the team remove their hijabs to ensure uniformity in dress during the national Independence Day ceremony, the sole task of the annually selected flag raisers.

However, in past years, many female members of the flag-hoisting team, locally known as Paskibraka, were seen wearing hijabs during the Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace.

BPIP Chairman Yudian Wahyudi issued a public apology and confirmed that the controversial ruling had been rescinded.

"Female members of Paskibraka who wear hijabs can perform their duty without removing them during the Red and White flag-hoisting ceremony on the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence at the future national capital, Nusantara," Yudian said in a statement.

"Allow me to extend my sincerest apology to all Indonesians regarding reports about the hijab removal ruling for Paskibraka female members.”

His statement came in response to public outcry and criticism from fellow government officials and Muslim clerics.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) warned that banning Paskibraka's female members from wearing hijabs could constitute a violation of the Constitution.

“Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution clearly stipulates that the nation is founded on the belief in one God and grants every citizen the religious freedom to observe their faiths," MUI Deputy Chairman Anwar Abbas said on Wednesday.

He added that for Muslim women, wearing a hijab is a religious obligation, and prohibiting it would be an affront to both the Constitution and Islamic teachings.

"Such a ban is entirely unacceptable and could create anxiety and unrest among communities, particularly Muslims," he added.

The current Paskibraka has 76 members in an equal number between boys and girls representing all 38 provinces. 

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