The Controversial Process of Women Joining the Police Force in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the process for women aspiring to join the police force is fraught with bizarre and controversial requirements. Women must not only meet age and educational criteria but also provide proof of virginity through a contentious two-finger test. This practice has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations, highlighting the challenges women face in pursuing careers in law enforcement. The article delves into the implications of these requirements and the ongoing debates surrounding women's rights in Indonesia. Discover the complexities of this issue and its impact on society.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 4, 2026, 19:11 IST

Strange Practices in Indonesia

In this world, there are numerous things that can be quite bizarre. Some of these can leave you astonished. However, certain countries stand out for their unusual practices. Today, we will discuss one such country where actions take place that you might not even dream of.

Challenges for Women Aspiring to Join the Police in Indonesia:

In many countries, it is relatively easy for women to become police officers, but in Indonesia, the situation is quite different. To join the police force, women must be between the ages of 17.5 and 22, unmarried, and possess a higher education degree. While this may seem reasonable, the subsequent requirements are shocking. Women are required to provide proof of their virginity before being accepted into the police force.

It may surprise you to learn that women undergo virginity tests in Indonesia. This test, known as the two-finger test, is typically conducted to ascertain whether a woman has been sexually assaulted. The test examines the elasticity of the vagina to determine if the woman is sexually active based on the number of fingers that can be inserted.

Moreover, women aspiring to join the police must also showcase their physical appearance to selection officials, who are exclusively male. Only those women who are deemed attractive are selected. The Indonesian police force was established in 1946, following the country's independence. It is important to note that no law in India permits such invasive examinations by doctors. However, in Indonesia, women seeking to join the police must provide evidence of their virginity, which means they must remain celibate.

The two-finger test is highly controversial and has been condemned by Amnesty International as degrading and a violation of human rights. Many countries have declared this test illegal.