She’s called Ukhti (sister in faith) at the mosque, but “cewe gaul” (cool girl) on Instagram. The Indonesian teenage ukhti lives at a unique crossroads—balancing religious identity, peer pressure, digital life, and emerging social issues.
Indonesian culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on social hierarchy, respect for elders, and patriarchal values (Geertz, 1960). The "ukhti" figure embodies these cultural norms, often serving as a bridge between traditional values and modernization. However, this cultural context can also limit the agency and autonomy of adolescent girls. She’s called Ukhti (sister in faith) at the
In many religious schools ( madrasah or pesantren ), sex education is taboo. Teenage girls learn only about menstruation (haid) and marriage, but not about consent, STIs, or emotional boundaries. This leads to risky behaviors, early pregnancy, and secrecy around reproductive health. The "ukhti" figure embodies these cultural norms, often