In recent years, the wearer of Islamic clothing is increasing in Indonesia. Especially about the Islamic clothing for women, there exists very fashionable one including a veil. This study aims to examine the spread of Islamic clothing and the identities they represent in contemporary Indonesia based on the case study in Central Java.
　　Although Indonesia is a country where Muslims accounts for about 90 percent of the population, wearing veils was not common in Java. In Indonesia, wearing veils in public schools was restricted in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, the restrictions on wearing veils in public schools and government offices were removed and after the end of New Order regime in 1998, wearing veils and Islamic clothes has become more widespread. In the 2000s fashionable Islamic clothing has appeared, and export and import of Islamic clothing has also become more common. Islamic clothing became important also as a global business in Indonesia.
　　In Indonesia, uniforms existed in various organizations, such as schools, government offices, women's groups and so on. These uniforms were made to symbolize the integration of the nation under the New Order regime. These days, veils and Islamic clothing is worn like another type of “uniform” at offices or gathering occasions to show their identity as Muslims. However their Muslim identities are represented by how they dress veils and Islamic clothing.
　　Indonesia is famous for its diversity of ethnic groups and there are some occasions when people become conscious of their ethnic identities. A rite of passage such as a wedding ceremony, can become this occasion. It requires the balance between ethnic and Muslim identities. For example, recent changes in Muslim wedding apparel style can be seen in the wearing of Muslim-style veils. Many modern Muslim wedding dresses which are based on ethnic wedding dresses are featured in weddings. The changes in the wedding ceremony are also based on the emphasis on Muslim style. This situation symbolizes their identity as Muslim and Javanese in contemporary Indonesia.