The jilbab has transformed from a symbol of religious protest in the 1980s into a multi-billion dollar industry. Socio-Cultural Transformation of Indonesian Muslim Women
Research into the (found on Academia.edu ) examines:
The Political Meaning of the Hijab Style of Women Candidates
Unlike the diverse, colorful, and often trendy hijab syar’i worn by mainstream Muslim celebrities, the Akhwat adheres to a strict code: the jilbab must not be adorned, must not resemble the clothing of non-believers, and must not be perfumed. The cadar (niqab) is the ultimate expression of this piety.
Aisyah had grown up in a traditional Indonesian family, where the women in her household wore the jilbab as a matter of course. However, as she entered her teenage years, Aisyah began to question the significance of wearing the jilbab. She saw her friends at school who didn't wear the jilbab and felt envious of their freedom to choose what they wore.
often refers to women who adopt a more conservative or "ideological" jilbab style—longer, looser, and often in muted colors. This group navigates several unique social pressures:
One day, Aisyah decided to confide in her mother about her doubts. Her mother, who had worn the jilbab her entire life, listened patiently and shared her own story of why she wore it. She explained that for her, the jilbab was a way to show devotion to Allah and to protect herself from the prying eyes of society.