In Jakarta, fashion determines whether a person wears hijab at all and how often she does so. In Bangka, hijab is a sign of modesty and an indicator of religiosity.
The longer the hijab/jilbab, the greater emphasis a person places on modesty and religiosity. Thus to wear a hijab that does not cover the neck is at one side of the spectrum whereas a jilbab that descends past the knees is another side of the spectrum. Traditionally, many Muslim women in Indonesia did cover there hair but not with the hijab or jilbab.
Some authors have suggested that the popularity of hijab in Indonesia reflects political activism, increasing influence from Arab culture, increasing conservatism or any combination of these.1 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/world/asia/03jilbab.htm When asked very few women agree that it is Arab influence or politics. Rather, wearing hijab as a variety of meanings depending on the person.
Here is one of the two interviews I completed at the Pluralusm conference I participated in.
Here is one of the two interviews I completed at the Pluralusm conference I participated in.