REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TANGERANG - The Indonesian police plans to postpone the implementation of their decision to allow policewomen to wear headscarves while on duty, citing the pending issuance of a decision on uniformity. National Police chief General Sutarman confirmed the postponement on Monday, saying a uniform headscarf for all policewomen had to be decided upon.

"At issue are the colors of the headscarves they are now wearing. But I have received a lot of support with regard to the decision to allow policewomen to wear headscarves. This means it is actually no problem. The problem is how to make them uniform," he explained, after attending the commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the marine and air police forces at the headquarters of the air police directorate in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang, Banten province.

Sutarman noted that it is ones right to wear a headscarf. However, he added that after the decision was implemented, various colors had appeared and "Therefore, I have referred the case to the policewomen to find a solution. You (police women), please find a uniform style of headscarf. You who are in Jakarta can afford to buy them, but those in certain regions may not." 

With regard to the confidential telegram signed by Deputy Police Chief Commissioner General Oegroseno on November 28, 2013, regarding the postponement of the decision on the headscarf, Sutarman confirmed that he had ordered Oegroseno to send the telegram.

"I was the one who had ordered it. I happened to be in Papua at the time, and I called the General Supervision Inspector (then Commissioner General Imam Sudjarwo) to cancel the decision for the moment due to the issue of uniformity. I saw some had worn red, while others wore white. That is not good to see, isnt it?" he stated.

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