Jakarta – A lawmaker is criticizing local legislators in Tasikmalaya, West Java, for drafting a regulation that would require all Muslim women, including visitors, to wear headscarves.

Eva Kusuma Sundari, a lawmaker from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), said the draft regulation was unconstitutional and constituted "discrimination towards women".

"Local council members should oppose this kind of regulation... I also urge President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi to curb the local politicians who are challenging our Constitution," Eva told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Eva, a lawmaker on House Commission III overseeing legal affairs and human rights, was responding to a recent statement from Tasikmalaya officials that affirmed that the regulation would require Muslim women to wear headscarves.

Legislators on the Tasikmalaya City Council have been drafting a regulation to implement a regional bylaw approved in 2009 to promote community values through Muslim teachings.

Eva called the local legislators' move "a warning" for political parties to increase their outreach programs to protect the Constitution. (asa/iwa)