In its Fatwa Number 24/2017 concerning social media conduct, MUI explicitly declared haram (forbidden) the act of sharing private content to the public when that content is known to be improper for public dissemination, such as posing that displays the aurah.
Feminist author Julia Suryakusuma saw this as an opportunity for reflection: "We should reflect on the rules that Muslims follow, especially in light of religion and globalization."The Indonesian government, meanwhile, has seen the debate as a chance to position the country as a global hub for Muslim fashion that is both stylish and compliant with religious rules.
| Term | Literal Translation | Common Usage | |------|---------------------|--------------| | | “Hijab” or “head‑to‑body covering” in Arabic/Indonesian | The basic garment used by Muslim women for modesty. | | Pamer | Indonesian slang for “show off” or “display” | Indicates something that’s intentionally conspicuous. | | Toket | A playful contraction of “toke‑toke” (Indonesian for “to flaunt”) or “tokes” (street‑wear slang). | Suggests a daring, street‑style vibe. |
The jilbab, a type of headscarf, has long been an integral part of Islamic attire for many Muslim women worldwide. Its significance extends beyond its functional purpose, representing a symbol of faith, identity, and cultural heritage. However, the emergence of "Jilbab Pamer Toket" suggests a shift in the way some Muslim women perceive and engage with their faith, fashion, and self-expression.
Mu'ti also urged TikTok to block such accounts and called on the public to use social media for beneficial purposes rather than sensationalism aimed at gaining popularity and followers.
Perhaps the most notorious incident occurred in May 2022, when a TikTok account under the name @babyca666_ went viral. The user—a woman wearing a hijab—shared multiple videos wearing tight kemeja shirts with the top buttons deliberately opened, exposing her chest. She engaged in suggestive dancing while opening her shirt further, with captions like "Pas lagi dikantor bos ngajak ke ruangan" ("When the boss invites you to his office")—clearly intended to be sexually provocative. Netizens reacted with fury, leaving comments such as "Otak lu dipake kalau mau bugil jangan bawa-bawa atribut Islam" ("Use your brain—if you want to be naked, don't bring along Islamic attributes").
He went further, calling on police to investigate and legal authorities to determine whether such content violated anti-pornography laws. "At a certain level, this act could fall under the category of disseminating pornography and pornographic acts, which violates the law. That is a criminal offense," Mu'ti stated. "If she deliberately intends to insult Islamic teachings, that too could be classified as a criminal offense."