In a popular event that has sparked calls from regional politicians for authorities to look into the matter as well, a well-known private clinics in Jakarta has apologised and taken corrective action after being accused of religious bias.
After a physician claimed that the hospital had asked job applicants if they were eager to eliminate their hijab, which is a sensitive subject in Indonesian with a Muslim majority, the hospital in Kuningan, South Jakarta, created a stir.
The email from the hospital’s doctor has been broadly shared on social media.
Dated Aug 29 and addressed to Medistra Hospital’s administration, the report by Dr Diani Kartini, a professional doctor, alleged that potential workers were required to remove their hijabs if hired.  ,
VIRAL LETTER BY INTERNAL STAFF
Dr. Kartini revealed that her assistant and her relative, both of whom had applied to work as general practitioners at the hospital, supposedly had racially discriminatory interviews, including about whether or not they would be ready to eliminate their hijab.
” I am greatly disappointed that such racially charged issues still arise in this day and age. Medistra claims to uphold global standards, yet such bigotry lingers”, Dr Kartini wrote in the text, as confirmed by local media blog Republika.
Dr. Kartini compared Medistra’s plans to those of other South Jakarta facilities, claiming that those facilities permit all skilled staff to wear the hijab.
She farther suggested that if Medistra offers a certain demographic, it should be directly disclosed to both employees and customers.
” It is very unfortunate that concerns that I consider to be racial were raised during the interview. Are there dual requirements for dress code for midwives, public professionals, scientists, and subspecialists at Medistra Hospital”? Dr Kartini wrote.
Dr Kartini has since resigned from Medistra.  ,  ,  ,
MEDISTRA SAYS “FIRM ACTION” TAKEN ,
Medistra Hospital’s director Dr Agung Budisatria expressed deep regret on Monday ( Sep 2 ) and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to offering equal employment opportunities.  ,
According to his official affirmation as quoted in local press,” the administration has taken firm action by issuing warnings, providing education to the employees involved, and removing them from the discussion group for potential candidates at Medistra Hospital.”
The private hospital, which has been operating since November 1991, is currently conducting a thorough review of its hiring practices to address and avoid such issues in the future.  ,