Armando Siahaan, Jakarta – The Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has indicated that its support of the proposed new head of the Indonesian Military depends on the military allowing female servicewomen to cover up with head scarves and long-sleeved clothing.

Speaking during the House of Representative's vetting of Navy Vice Adm. Agus Suhartono, the only candidate for the top job in the military, also known as the TNI, PKS lawmaker Yoyoh Yusroh asked that Agus amend TNI regulations that prevented women from wearing jilbab.

"If possible, women [serving in the military] should be allowed to dress according to their religion," Yoyoh said. She said that many women were put off the prospect of joining the military because of the prohibitive policy and fears their religious identity would be weakened, she said.

Responding, Agus said the military would consider the idea. "This needs to be reviewed and this will be a consideration for us," he said.