Sharia law to apply to non-Muslims in Aceh

Central government still has to approve controversial bylaw, which has drawn criticism in Aceh.

By Nurdin Hasan for Khabar Southeast Asia in Banda Aceh

March 22, 2014
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Non-Muslims can be prosecuted under Sharia law in Aceh if they participate with Muslims in offenses not regulated by Indonesian criminal law, under a new bylaw passed in the province late last year.

  • A sharia police officer (left) advises Acehnese women wearing tight clothes in Banda Aceh on February 7th. A controversial clause in Aceh's new Islamic criminal procedure code could ensnare violators who are not Muslim. [Nurdin Hasan/Khabar]

    A sharia police officer (left) advises Acehnese women wearing tight clothes in Banda Aceh on February 7th. A controversial clause in Aceh's new Islamic criminal procedure code could ensnare violators who are not Muslim. [Nurdin Hasan/Khabar]

The controversial clause is contained in the Qanun Hukum Acara Jinayat (QHAJ), Islamic criminal procedure codes, passed by the regional House of Representatives (DPRA) on December 13th, 2013.

The clause pertains to "a violation committed jointly by two or more people, among them non-Muslims", according to a copy of the bylaw obtained by Khabar Southeast Asia.

It also states that non-Muslims who are arrested can choose to be prosecuted in a Sharia court or a state court. But if the violation is not regulated by Indonesian criminal law, the non-Muslim will be prosecuted in Sharia court.

The new bylaws authorise Sharia police, prosecutors and judges to detain violators for 15 to 60 days if an investigation, trial or sentence warrants it. Until now, Sharia enforcement officials have only been permitted to arrest and briefly detain violators for counselling on Sharia norms. They have not had authority to put them in jail.

"Anticipatory"

The QHAJ were sent to the Department of the Interior in Jakarta on February 3rd for final approval, Edrian, head of legal affairs for the Aceh government, told Khabar. If the Minister of the Interior does not respond in 60 days, the new laws will automatically go into force.

The clause pertaining to non-Muslims is to prevent offenders from escaping legal consequences "in the event a criminal offense is not regulated under the Indonesian Criminal Justice Act (ICJA)" Edrian said.

"But in my opinion, there are no criminal offenses that are not regulated by the ICJA and other laws in Indonesia. So the article pertaining to non-Muslims is just anticipatory."

Other legal experts suggested that non-Muslims could be prosecuted under the QHAJ for drinking or intimacy among people not married to one another (mesum).

"Not really needed"

Muslims and non-Muslims alike suggested the new provision is unnecessary.

The Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Aceh, Tengku Faisal Ali, said the article on non-Muslims was "not really needed" and had been introduced in an attempt to prevent full implementation of Sharia law in Aceh.

"For all this time, various methods have been used by certain parties to prevent Sharia Islam in Aceh," he told Khabar. "One of them is to introduce this article regulating non-Muslims, because it is not really needed. It's a purposeful effort to prevent the application of Sharia law."

Local legislators and the Aceh government do not seriously support Sharia Islam and are dawdling in ratifying the latest Qanun Jinayat the DPRA promised to pass in 2013, he charged.

Aki, a respected local Buddhist, said the new bylaw "gives a very strange impression because as far as I know, Sharia Islam in Aceh applies to Muslims only. So why should it apply to non-Muslims?"

Non-Muslims "respect implementation of Islamic law in Aceh. Interfaith relations and tolerance are good. Social interaction is also quite good between Muslims and non-Muslims," he said.

Aki said he and other Buddhists in Aceh were anxiously awaiting the central government's response to the bylaws.

"If the interior minister does not cancel this controversial clause, I will consult with friends who are civil society activists in Aceh, to advocate for judicial review of the article in the Supreme Court," he told Khabar.

Reader Comments
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    • irfan
      May 22, 2014 @ 11:05:07PM
    • Aceh is truly hypocritical, self-righteous and unaware of the fact that it is has been punished by God. Almost everyday we hear news that Aceh is a nest for marijuana and narcotics suppliers, even old ladies have the guts to smuggle marijuana without shame. That's called hypocrisy.
    • S. Noor
      May 31, 2014 @ 10:05:42AM
    • I hope the comments are good, reflect upon yourself whether we are right. If indeed you are then please leave comments and hopefully what is written can be used for good. The Great Indonesia, many rules have been made and yet are still violated. Are we truly right? Beautify yourself, fix yourself, make yourself more elegant before speaking out. I hope this is useful.
    • agam
      May 19, 2014 @ 07:05:44AM
    • We should first understand the sharia and then implement it. For instance, take a peek into many eateries that do not understand the sharia. Stop talking and take care of those first. This is embarrassing, we uphold laws and yet crime thrives in our region (Aceh) such as alcoholic drinks, marijuana and narcotics. Don't just talk about Islamic sharia law, stop these things from happening and then we'll talk.
    • maniss
      May 18, 2014 @ 10:05:38AM
    • Agreed, all answers and opinions should be based on the Qur'an and Hadith.
    • saddirin
      May 16, 2014 @ 09:05:20AM
    • If all of us Muslims realize and understand, possess principles, a strong foundation for Islam, a strong belief in one God and a strong understanding, strange things will not happen. Sharia is only a guideline, what matters are those four things.
    • hermanto
      May 14, 2014 @ 07:05:15AM
    • Why are we humans constantly imposing our will, when it is the creation of man which is not guaranteed to be perfect. Islamic sharia should only apply to Muslims, non Muslims have their own way of doing things. This is Indonesia and we should defer to the Pancasila. Let's open our eyes, many of those who are terrorist-minded come from Islam; they make the rules but it is the followers themselves who break them. What would the world say?
    • rafael
      May 14, 2014 @ 06:05:14AM
    • It is not necessary to make sharia law applicable to non-Muslims as long as non-Muslims appreciate and respect those laws. To be honest, there are many Muslims in Aceh who do not abide by the law. When I went back to Aceh there were many youths getting drunk during solo organ events in the local communities and yet nothing was done about them. There are also many women who become pregnant out of wedlock and I have heard that there are even law enforcers who are depraved themselves: arresting a young couple who were said to have been acting intimately and then raping the woman. What kind of law do we have in Aceh? The morality of the people should be changed and law must be implemented without discrimination. Check the communities in Aceh, I am certain there are still people who covertly sell alcoholic beverages. This is not a lie nor it is meant to provoke. This can be proven.
    • agam
      May 13, 2014 @ 11:05:10PM
    • Wherever you stand, there you must uphold the sky. If you do not like the laws that apply in Aceh, you can leave.
    • dedi suryajaya
      May 25, 2014 @ 08:05:00AM
    • You are depraved. Do you think this country belongs only to Muslims? Non-Muslims have the same rights. This country was founded on a common principle, Pancasila. Therefore the implementation of the sharia law is a betrayal of the initial principle made by this country when it became independent. Islamic sharia must be erased from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
    • frank
      June 1, 2014 @ 10:06:48AM
    • Other religions should not be pretentious in regards to the Islamic sharia. If there were no Muslims, this country would not be independent.
    • Alfyan
      May 13, 2014 @ 01:05:49PM
    • I am an Aceh native. I agree, sharia law must be upheld in Aceh to save the chamber of Mecca. If non-Muslims do not want to follow the sharia they should be driven away from the lands of Aceh.
    • soffyan
      May 13, 2014 @ 01:05:17PM
    • I am an Aceh native, mister. I agree that sharia law must be upheld in Aceh, non-Muslims (infidels) who do not want to follow the sharia in Aceh should be driven away from the lands of Aceh (chamber of Mecca).
    • indara
      May 12, 2014 @ 07:05:22AM
    • Before we attend to other people's houses we should deal with our own house. Are we doing things right?
    • abdi
      May 11, 2014 @ 08:05:35PM
    • If you consider that to be a trial it means that Allah loves you more than He loves them because sharia begins within oneself and not others. The Prophet was sent to give an example, not to punish.
    • berlin
      May 10, 2014 @ 06:05:46AM
    • Ladies and gentlemen, don't be so fanatical!
    • teungku
      May 10, 2014 @ 01:05:45AM
    • Humans have made promises to their God while in the womb, one of them is to recognize Allah as the true God to worship. Why, though, do many humans break this promise?
    • taufiq
      May 6, 2014 @ 12:05:48AM
    • Stupid.
    • paulus
      May 3, 2014 @ 06:05:28AM
    • There is no heaven or hell after death. Paradise or hell is where you are now. Why do people need religion?. Religion only divides people. More wars and death have been caused by religion than any other reason in the world. Everyone thinks their religion is the true religion and this is the crux of belonging to a religion. Following a religion does not make people better or closer to god. Religion is not God/Allah. God is something unrelated to religion. All religions are created by men, not by a god.
    • heng sia
      May 7, 2014 @ 12:05:21PM
    • I agree that religion is man made.
    • rizqi sapriyatma
      May 3, 2014 @ 04:05:10AM
    • I agree that Islamic sharia should be made to apply to non-Muslims. This is not wrong because we can use the territorial principle.
    • sukri selamat
      May 1, 2014 @ 08:05:11AM
    • Sharia must be upheld because if not, the Islamic religion is nothing but a name and its followers will become as they were during the unenlightened times.
    • sayed aznan
      April 30, 2014 @ 10:04:40AM
    • I think everybody is in agreement but I still doubt the enforcement. Why would we force other groups who are non-Muslims to adhere to the sharia rules that apply in Aceh when we ourselves, as people of Aceh, do not uphold what is mandated by the Islamic law? It would make no difference. If you want others to follow us, we need to show consistency in truly enforcing the sharia. We cannot take half measures.
    • anwar
      April 30, 2014 @ 09:04:20AM
    • Let's cultivate a culture of mutual respect and courtesy when we speak, being honest to ourselves, and working together to maintain public facilities, safety and hygiene. If we can do that, insya Allah sharia can be established.
    • Bluberry Whittening
      April 29, 2014 @ 03:04:59AM
    • Thank you for the very useful information.
    • fransiska
      April 28, 2014 @ 04:04:15AM
    • In my opinion, the things that you have all conveyed here have good intentions but let us just leave this to the Indonesian government. Whatever the result, it will be the product of consensus from various parties. We should accept it gracefully and approach it wisely.
    • Khoirul Basyar
      April 28, 2014 @ 12:04:51AM
    • Aceh (the House of Representatives and government) has been given autonomy by the state to make regulations; the autonomy is legal. Therefore, whether Aceh implements a law based on sharia or otherwise, it is legal.
    • safrizal
      April 26, 2014 @ 12:04:31PM
    • Do not think about sharia yet, the important thing is for Aceh to become independent, then sharia can be implemented.
    • lukman hakim
      April 25, 2014 @ 02:04:52AM
    • Islamic sharia law in the chamber of Mecca must be seriously implemented. Even if someone is a non-Muslim, he/she must adhere to the established regulations. Why do many non-Muslims who live in the chamber of Mecca often violate the rules of Islamic sharia? Therefore, I strongly agree that Islamic sharia be established in Aceh and non-Muslims who oppose the regulations should leave Aceh.
    • hatta
      April 24, 2014 @ 01:04:22PM
    • I agree with the implementation of Islamic sharia in Aceh.
    • abwa
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:38AM
    • The important thing is that it's constitutional and consensual, those who are not from Aceh don't need to interfere.
    • agus
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:32AM
    • If you don't agree, you have the mind of a misled infidel! Think about it.
    • marakal budi
      May 6, 2014 @ 03:05:01AM
    • If a person calls another person an infidel it means that they themselves are infidels and devils at the core.
    • Anwar
      April 23, 2014 @ 11:04:42AM
    • I am also a Muslim and I do not agree with the establishment of sharia law; it's worth noting that Islamic countries in the Middle East do not implement sharia law. Study Islam seriously and you will understand the core message. Sorry, but Aceh is not descended from God. They run amok and commit violence all over the world because their Prophet is insulted. Do not be hypocritical my brothers in Aceh, there's a lot of marijuana growing over there, you make yourselves rich through hypocrisy.
    • yuli giawa
      May 1, 2014 @ 08:05:39PM
    • Your heart is truly noble, if only others would think positively as you do, our lives will be very beautiful; respecting each other and accepting other people as they are in spite of their differences. May SWT bless and protect you.
    • fauzi
      April 19, 2014 @ 09:04:46PM
    • Those who disagree should just leave Aceh.
    • marakal budi
      May 6, 2014 @ 03:05:08AM
    • Indonesia is not an Islamic country, damn it. You're crazy. You don't know what you're talking about, bastard.
    • donya
      April 19, 2014 @ 09:04:21PM
    • Those who don't agree are troublemakers. Finish them. Don't live in Aceh.
    • khairuddin
      April 16, 2014 @ 03:04:37PM
    • Khairuddin, the sharia law in Aceh is all but a name of which purpose is to reduce unemployment and not the sharia that the people of Aceh hope for. The Aceh government has proven it. To this day, places of prostitution can still be found all over Banda Aceh. The funny thing is, these prostitutes are arrested and released the next day, arrested again and released again. Such is the Islamic sharia enforcement in Aceh time and time again, just so that the sharia police have something to do.
    • aken
      April 16, 2014 @ 07:04:56AM
    • Indonesia is a country and nation, therefore religion cannot be allowed in national regulations. If this happens, Indonesia will no longer be a nation but a country of religion. There are six recognized major religions in Indonesia so if the teachings of one is used to govern the country, the question is what will become of the other religions? This does not guarantee the neutrality of the country as one that adheres to modern democratic law.
    • yuli giawa
      May 1, 2014 @ 08:05:27PM
    • We should pray and hope that the government is given the wisdom to be more prudent in their thinking and make decisions in the interest of our nation and country's well being. Also, we hope that many people will think positively and not just thinking of their own religion. Hopefully many people will emerge who are as knowledgeable as you are. I pity our fellows who give comments that do not uplift the hearts of the readers.
    • haryo
      April 15, 2014 @ 10:04:05AM
    • Okay, good luck.
    • harisman
      April 14, 2014 @ 07:04:59PM
    • If you do not want the punishment then do not break the law, it's that clear! We do not need to talk about the regulations. Have pity on your brain, it is tired and overburdened of things such as working to support your family etc. What is certain is that you would never be punished if you never break the law so be a good person and obey the law.
    • Mukhtar
      April 11, 2014 @ 03:04:50AM
    • I agree with implementing Islamic sharia in Aceh.
    • budisamaria
      April 18, 2014 @ 06:04:09AM
    • If Islamic sharia is implemented in Aceh I am certain that Indonesian Muslims will move to Aceh in droves to be able to carry out His teachings comprehensively. Aceh will become more advanced and more prosperous than Singapore, New York, London, Tokyo, Paris .... just like other Muslim countries that have long enforced the Islamic sharia, for example...for example...um. I'm sorry, can anyone give me an example?
    • Matahari
      April 30, 2014 @ 06:04:57AM
    • Allah is omniscient and infinitely wise, He has created human beings, testing the faith of man with "obligations" and the promise to implement Islamic sharia. The indicator of the truth and virtue of sharia is not the "prosperity" you are talking about (worldly by nature) and it cannot be achieved in an instant and neither can it be predicted, but the merits of Islamic sharia will definitely be proven.
    • ekosaputra
      May 4, 2014 @ 08:05:09AM
    • I agree for Islamic sharia be implemented in Aceh but we must first purge the hypocrites. They commit debauchery in Medan instead of Aceh because of the sharia law. I also want to go to Aceh.
    • faisal lamin
      April 10, 2014 @ 12:04:45AM
    • Wherever you plant your feet, there you will hold up the sky. Anyone who lives in Aceh should be obligated to adhere by the rules that apply in Aceh. Non-Muslims enjoy the land of Aceh, why should Aceh be the one that concedes? You will be following the sharia, not the religious practices.
    • intermezzo4u
      April 9, 2014 @ 11:04:39AM
    • Wherever you plant your feet, there you will hold up the sky. Wherever you live you must follow the rules (whether it is the government's or local customs) that apply where you live. If you don't like it then move or get out from the environment where you live.
    • vera
      April 9, 2014 @ 06:04:31AM
    • If sharia law in Aceh only applies to Muslims only then does that mean non-Muslims are free to commit debauchery? I agree that sharia law should apply for all of Aceh but the punishments for sharia violations should be 5 times more severe for Muslims and 10 times more severe for officials who violate Islamic sharia.
    • m .afwad
      April 12, 2014 @ 03:04:02PM
    • Do not let the chamber of Mecca disappear because of non-Muslims.
    • oge
      April 28, 2014 @ 10:04:35PM
    • Vera, how can you make such an idiotic syllogism?
    • selamet mulyono
      April 8, 2014 @ 12:04:31AM
    • The sharia law should be enforced by all who live in Aceh. It is all for the good and peace of mind of the Acehnese.
    • arman
      April 7, 2014 @ 09:04:06PM
    • If you want to establish Islamic sharia in Aceh then the most important thing to do is to fix yourself and your family. Once that is done you can implement this on a public scale. Looking at the way things are today, we see that many of those who enforce Islamic sharia are unsavory people. There are drunks, gamblers, adulterers, the corrupt and others. What is to become of Aceh?
    • ekosaputra
      May 4, 2014 @ 07:05:08AM
    • My brother, it is true that before we deem someone to be guilty we should look at whether we ourselves have been right in carrying out the Islamic sharia. There are still many hypocrites; look at our brothers who succumb to strange behaviors when they are out of town on holiday. They do these things outside Aceh. They are not violating islamic sharia in Aceh but when they are out of town. Hopefully Islamic sharia will be upheld in Aceh. Amin.
    • EMAN
      April 7, 2014 @ 12:04:17PM
    • Even though Aceh falls under the authority of the Unified Republic of Indonesia, it also has a law. If you do not agree with it, you can leave Aceh. Regards.
    • faisal lamin
      April 7, 2014 @ 07:04:44AM
    • Islamic sharia should be implemented in Aceh, not just a slogan of officials in Aceh who have never taken any real action through the Aceh sharia agency. They stand idle with no commitment from the Regional House of Representatives and the Aceh House of Representatives to fight for Islamic sharia.
    • rusli hakim
      April 7, 2014 @ 05:04:42AM
    • To non-Muslims, the proverb "Where you plant your feet, there you hold up the sky" applies here. Adjust, do not go against the mainstream. This is for the common good, because the rules are for their own good. Islam is a peaceful religion, look at it from various aspects, not just from one side.
    • metalixxroxx
      April 12, 2014 @ 01:04:10PM
    • rusli hakim@: Yes, bro, only Islam is right, other religions are wrong. I salute you and your great religion.
    • AJI
      April 17, 2014 @ 11:04:32PM
    • Terrorist.
    • HONGGUANGKA batam
      April 6, 2014 @ 07:04:00AM
    • Why trouble ourselves over this? To all non-Muslims, if you do not want to adhere to Islamic sharia law in Aceh, please just don't step on Aceh soil, make your own land so you can do as you please. Islamic law must be upheld no matter what.
    • ferdy
      April 6, 2014 @ 07:04:18AM
    • The call it sharia in Aceh but women are damaging men's brains.
    • apaki
      April 6, 2014 @ 03:04:26AM
    • Have those who wish to implement Islamic sharia fixed their own character?
    • Nurhayati Silalahi
      April 5, 2014 @ 01:04:55PM
    • Indonesia has laws, which are not Islamic laws because its people comprise others aside of Muslims.
    • Mhd Husni
      April 14, 2014 @ 07:04:45AM
    • Back then, the Aceh general Daud Beureueh rebelled against Soekarno because Soekarno went back on his promise: at first he agreed to enforcing Islamic sharia law in Aceh but ultimately broke his promise. You need to know that in the Jakarta Charter (the opening to the 1945 Constitution) there are 7 phrases that state "the obligation to follow Islamic sharia for its followers" but this was taken out because Soekarno feared that the Christian East Indonesian figures would secede if that phrase was to be approved. But now, there is a dissonant voice from the Christians that corruption in Indonesia is largely done by Islamic officials. Imagine if the seven phrases were implemented; thieves would have their hands cut off, including the corrupt. Therefore, this is a historical mistake on the part of the Christians.
    • Romanuv
      April 4, 2014 @ 03:04:28AM
    • If Islamic law is implemented in Aceh for non-Muslims, imagine what would happen if it is for Indonesia. This country will crumble.
    • asamson
      April 8, 2014 @ 11:04:29AM
    • We will actually see who the real terrorists are: non-Muslims who are aggressively cooperating with the rulers and maybe many Muslims who are betraying their religion and their own Prophet (like the Jews wanting to kill Moses, their own prophet) and the bloodlines of the Prophet, sultanates and the 9 guardians. Without even asking for it, the minorities will receive help from their masters: the US, Australia, China, etc. The mines and riches of this country were drained, pillaged, and swallowed by the Dutch and Chinese and the profits were used to destroy this country through Christianization. They did this by pushing for the construction of churches, extermination and slaughter of Muslims who cared about the fact that their religion had been sullied by another religion. They also twist the facts or slander intelligent and decent Muslims, turning Muslim religious scholars against their own religion or at the very minimum, become wolves in sheep's clothing.
    • vera
      April 9, 2014 @ 06:04:41AM
    • So according to you, only Muslims are prohibited from debauchery under threat of whipping and non-Muslims are allowed to commit debauchery without punishment?
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:45PM
    • What? Do not try to twist logic, sharia law is only for Muslims in Aceh which is located within the Unified Republic of Indonesia territory which has its own law, so don't ask for more than you deserve! Also, which religion has the most corrupt people? I am not a Christian, Buddhist or Hindu just so you know.
    • Mhd Husni
      April 14, 2014 @ 06:04:40AM
    • Indonesia is crumbling because it is still using the laws left to us by the Dutch which benefit the rulers (invaders) of the past.
    • anto
      April 3, 2014 @ 10:04:17AM
    • Hopefully the regulations will be upheld.
    • Rajakuneng
      April 3, 2014 @ 05:04:46AM
    • Becoming an Islamic country is difficult if the people do not know to elect a leader who is loyal to Islam, like Saidina Umar. This is because the people and leaders today are preoccupied solely with money. If a Jew came along they would elect him as a leader if given money. It is a shame that Aceh is still ignorant and unenlightened, only thinking of today without regard for future generations.
    • RAMUSSEN
      April 3, 2014 @ 03:04:09AM
    • If the Islamic sharia truly is good for Muslims in Aceh, why is it that people from Aceh are fleeing from Aceh to Indonesian islands that are not under sharia? Also, the citizens of countries under Islamic sharia like Iran and Pakistan; why do they seek asylum in the countries of infidels that are said to be anti-Islamic? You are funny, Aceh, like OVJ.
    • Mhd Husni
      April 14, 2014 @ 06:04:06AM
    • Islamic sharia is clearly a good thing, especially considering that civil law enforcement in Indonesia is no longer honest. People who oppose the Islamic sharia are not Muslims but hypocrites.
    • isfar
      April 2, 2014 @ 10:04:01PM
    • Why is Indonesia often behind other nations? The consistent problem with our nation is that it makes issues out of trivial matters. Matters of religion and faith should be left up to the individual believers. We are a pluralist and diverse nation and therefore law should not be discriminatory, let alone bringing up things that are private. I think that the Pancasila is a clear source of law and is suitable for implementation, it is a matter of how we carry it out and the way we strengthen the legal system. Look at countries like Japan, US and other European countries; do these countries become advanced, powerful and have a formidable image in the eyes of the world because of their religious law? Was it Islamic law? No. It was their strong systems, including legal systems, that do not discriminate when it comes to private matters. The objectivity and substance of their laws are clear and strong, even though they are mostly Jewish and Christian. What is wrong with our nation? We do not respect differences, we do not uphold unity and integrity, we do not respect diversity and always consider the majority to be right when in reality they constantly engage in unsavory activities, disregarding the Pancasila, disregarding their own religions, always oppressing the weak and minority groups. That is the problem with this nation, wallahu mu'afik ila'aqumithonik wassalamu'alaikum wr.wb.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:44PM
    • That is correct, brother Isfar, it is typical of these stupid people who are enslaved by this narrow minded religiosity. The nation of Indonesia is more important than your respective religions. Indonesian civilization is more advanced than the Arabic civilization so don't be stupid to imitate another lesser culture, let alone the barbaric Arabic culture which is infused into the Islamic religion - something that has long been the practice for furthering political purposes and obtaining power.
    • yuli giawa
      May 1, 2014 @ 08:05:43PM
    • I hope that more people will be able to think straight like you so that our country will be at peace because we respect each other and acknowledge differences. May SWT bless your life.
    • henradi
      April 2, 2014 @ 10:04:04AM
    • The character of law enforcers must first be fixed, and only then they can govern the people. The Prophet Himself has given an example. It is not just rules.
    • karnen
      April 2, 2014 @ 08:04:15AM
    • Sharia is very important in Islam but the laws have to be carried out as they are written in the al-Quran and Hadith. When humans violate it they must be punished according to the severity of their actions.
    • aka
      April 1, 2014 @ 10:04:19PM
    • It is important to cover the female body.
    • suwinanto
      April 7, 2014 @ 09:04:49AM
    • All they think about are private body parts.
    • Mhd Husni
      April 14, 2014 @ 07:04:52AM
    • Islamic sharia does not only apply to private body parts, it encompasses a wider array of things. For example: social ills like gambling, alcoholic beverages, criminal activity and narcotics. If we could at least get rid of social ills, we would be further in our progress. Do we agree?
    • yogi saputra
      April 1, 2014 @ 11:04:29AM
    • Wherever you are, unity is the thing that maintains our peace and serenity.
    • anTO
      April 1, 2014 @ 09:04:15AM
    • Islamic law must use the Islamic caliphate as a guideline, no half measures. The prophet and His friends have set examples.
    • alohhh boong
      April 1, 2014 @ 08:04:54AM
    • anang tasarudin@ those are your interests over there, of course you would defend it. Why do you want to impose your laws on other religions? You are the one who made it so you're the one who should abide by it ha ha ha. Ultimately, this will be used to dupe other religions into furthering their vile intentions. It is a hunger for power, the brotherhood excuse is nonsense.
    • triayudamaiyanti
      April 1, 2014 @ 01:04:20AM
    • I agree that the law in Aceh about Human in Aceh must follow the law in Aceh including the non-Muslim because if a women use an open clothes will triggering of something that does not want and Muslims and non-Muslims must to remind each other without looking at a difference.
    • Bahagia saputra
      March 31, 2014 @ 01:03:59PM
    • That is correct, just like many of our friends' comments, we must respect fellow religious people. But, it is important for followers of other religions (non-Muslims), please maintain togetherness and do not violate what is written in the Qanun Hukum Acara Jinayat (QHAJ).
    • metalixxroxx
      April 12, 2014 @ 01:04:20PM
    • Bahagia saputra@: How about this, tell Allah to kill every non-Muslim in the world without exception so that Islam is free to implement sharia and other rules. I think that the Allah of Islam would be able to do it and He would not need the help of humans.
    • agus
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:46AM
    • Your God is the only one who can be told what to do.
    • Respati
      March 31, 2014 @ 05:03:33AM
    • Where is the Unified Republic of Indonesia going? This is the age of constitutional violation. Indonesia must be firm, otherwise Aceh becomes a country within a country. This is for the good of the country.
    • charles
      March 29, 2014 @ 02:03:37PM
    • This is a sign that the country is about to disintegrate. Matters of law are the jurisdiction of the central government. Autonomy is economic-driven, so that they can compete for advancement. This is not what we call the Unified Republic of Indonesia.
    • Amer
      March 29, 2014 @ 09:03:28AM
    • To those who do not want to give respect.
    • AGAPA ARNOL
      March 29, 2014 @ 08:03:12AM
    • The laws that are made and implemented in Aceh, specifically among Muslims or those called the sharia, do not need to apply to non Muslims. Why, in this heated time of reformation where the GAM wants to secede from Indonesia, is fanaticism still high? It would be better to stop and secede from Indonesia. I implore the people of the Aceh province to unite and fight for Aceh to be released from Indonesia and avoid conflict between tribes and religions. When we have united I am sure that no catastrophes will befall Aceh.
    • putra burkol lembang
      March 29, 2014 @ 03:03:41AM
    • Many arbitrary rules. It seems it would take the laws of nature like a new tsunami to set things right.
    • Absan
      March 29, 2014 @ 12:03:28AM
    • I am a Muslim and I absolutely don't approve of implementing Islamic law to non-Muslims. We are the Unified Republic of Indonesia, why would we control the lives of non-Muslims just like that? Our country is not an Islamic country, remember that. It is not right if a country exists within a country. Please, Mr. Minister, drop the Islamic sharia law because it is not right for a region to govern its country where the authority lies with the Indonesian government and the MUI. Please don't allow the people of Aceh to arbitrarily create Islamic sharia law, this will cause division between religious people, cancel it if necessary.
    • alfir
      April 3, 2014 @ 10:04:33PM
    • If you are a Muslim you would know that if Allah SWT forbids something then it must be harmful for us!
    • safriadi
      April 7, 2014 @ 11:04:31AM
    • It is true that Aceh is not a country, but Aceh's status in Indonesia is different from the other regions. Aceh has the authority to govern its own laws given that Aceh has special autonomy. Do not say that this is not an Islamic country. Do you not know that Aceh is 95% Muslim? In Aceh, the nation of Aceh has the right to establish the law of Allah and no one can be allowed to obstruct Aceh from establishing Islamic sharia law. For decades we have fought the government to enact Islamic law in Aceh. It's for Allah's law and strength of the Aceh nation.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:30PM
    • Do not suffer Allah's wrath yet again because you take Allah's name to carry out narrow minded deeds.
    • yuli giawa
      May 1, 2014 @ 08:05:17PM
    • The world can smile to see that its children are as knowledgeable as you, may SWT bless you.
    • Isnaini Ramdhoni
      March 29, 2014 @ 12:03:23AM
    • Allah, rain down your wrath upon Aceh, a tsunami 10 times bigger then the one in 2004. Amin ya rabbal alamin.
    • syaiful hamami anak aceh sumatera
      April 3, 2014 @ 08:04:09PM
    • A prayer calling for the abuse of other Muslims would never be accepted, let alone one that comes from a person who opposes the implementation of Islamic sharia. May Allah give understanding to Muslims who have been influenced by the Western culture. They are not yet modern but their minds are already western, pity.
    • nando
      April 3, 2014 @ 10:04:41PM
    • Pray for good things, if you pray for bad things to happen it will backfire.
    • Mhd Husni
      April 14, 2014 @ 07:04:22AM
    • You are not logical. It's not possible for people who uphold Allah's law to be cursed and punished by Allah.
    • agus
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:40AM
    • Your prayer will come back to you. If you ask for punishment then your own punishment will come.
    • Halakhita
      March 28, 2014 @ 11:03:22PM
    • Sharia is forcing itself on non-Muslims. No brains.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:06PM
    • That is what you get from immature religiosity, sticking their heads into other people's business when they themselves are full of sin.
    • kamarud
      March 28, 2014 @ 11:03:14PM
    • The rules of sharia law are not widely followed. It is better that we go back to what is good for us as individuals. Why force something when it would only make enemies of brothers. By Hantu Laut.
    • m rizal
      March 28, 2014 @ 09:03:37PM
    • I am a devout Muslim and laws made by man do not matter if people do not fear the laws of God. The House of Representatives/Regional House of Representatives or whatever they are called, most of them create legislations only to serve their personal or group interests. Reflect on yourself before creating regulations, do not turn my Indonesia into the Middle East.
    • win samar
      March 28, 2014 @ 12:03:38PM
    • For us, it is not necessary. What is important is that we, the people of Aceh, used to truly promote the Islamic sharia. We see that for some of us sharia is nothing but an accessory. For instance, why are many of us still sitting at cafes when it is time for Friday prayers and why has gambling and meth been so prolific in Aceh? It is embarrassing for us.
    • Agus Salim,
      March 28, 2014 @ 10:03:15AM
    • Allahuakbar 3 times. Aceh Darusalam will uphold the Islamic sharia. Though we are small, we are also strong.
    • asamson
      March 28, 2014 @ 08:03:38AM
    • If Islamic law were to be implemented in this country, thugs, thieves, adulterers, murderers, rapists will be dealt appropriate punishment or the death penalty that they deserve. If the guilty are sincere they will be granted mercy by Allah SWT. Because of these punishments, people can be at peace, comfortable and feel that they are treated justly. The slogan of justice and prosperity will come to fruition. Moreover, if all the mines in the country are nationalized and if every person in this country is given 100 kg of gold there would still be a surplus because Freeport has 1,2 billion tons of gold (along with uranium of which the price and content is higher) which has been chewed up, choked down, and sucked away by the USA, to say nothing of Newmont, Banyuwangi and many others. The people of this country were severed from their just and wise kings, and then the people were made into kings and masters of natural resources handed down by the kings. These were then managed by the Dutch and Chinese and served up like instant food, like noodles, with Chinese spices, Dutch utensils for decades. Little by little, the people who were made kings and masters were struck, slapped, and slammed because they have become dependent on other nations, and their heavenly earth taken over continuously through joint ventures that have benefited the Dutch and Chinese. The rulers of this country were shaped by the Dutch and Chinese, who are subservient to the Dutch and Chinese. What matters is that the rulers of this country are happy and, if necessary, join together to chew up and suck out the mines, imprisoning the true kings of the country in sturdy concrete so that they cannot escape from their shackles, stripped of their power and forgotten by the people.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:21PM
    • Apparently you are "governing" Allah, truly incredible.
    • zam uddin
      March 27, 2014 @ 09:03:22PM
    • There are many people in office today who do not remember the history of their ancestors in Aceh, so this is what we get, because those in office are clever but are not right. There are many hypocrites.
    • Aneuk atjeh
      March 27, 2014 @ 03:03:22PM
    • I thoroughly agree, I like this Aceh. If necessary, non-Muslims in Aceh who violate them should be thrown out from the chamber of Mecca.
    • pol
      April 4, 2014 @ 06:04:11AM
    • The implementation of sharia should be impartial, anyone who violates it must be brought to justice, regardless of whether they are board members, government employees or even non-Muslims. If you do not wish to adhere to sharia law, you should leave Aceh. Do not pollute this land with debauchery, do not anger nature further, like the tsunami and earthquakes in 2004, conflicts and others. O, leaders, stop supporting debauchery and wickedness, or else Allah almighty will be angry at you.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:35PM
    • Mother nature is angry because there are so many hypocrites in it.
    • ekosaputra
      May 4, 2014 @ 07:05:30AM
    • My brothers, what if the urban Acehnese commit debaucheries in the city? Let Allah punish them. I agree that such is the behavior of Aceh people in the city of Medan. How are we to uphold Islamic sharia if there are still hypocritical officials? Hopefully Islamic sharia will be implemented in Aceh. Amin.
    • gam
      March 27, 2014 @ 09:03:42AM
    • Pardon me, all of you should try reading everything about Aceh's history. This country's treatment of Aceh has never been fair so it is no wonder that Aceh is the way it is today. Aceh is the chamber of Mecca and therefore has to be this way.
    • AVIS
      March 27, 2014 @ 07:03:14AM
    • Pardon me, but to all of you who do not understand the issue of sharia in Aceh should not be so quick to comment. We, the people of Aceh need the implementation of Islamic law, not Indonesian law (Pancasila). The Pancasila law has plunged people into deep immorality because law enforcement does not put religion at the forefront.
    • asamson
      April 1, 2014 @ 12:04:44PM
    • You are much more intelligent than clerics who are within, or trying to join, the circle of this country's government. This country is originally Islamic but it has been deviated by rulers using vague symbols to make them look Islamic but are in truth destroying Islam. They look constructive but are actually destructive. May Allah reveal the straight path for Aceh and this country and let Allah bring back the Islamic kingdom or Islamic nation founded on the principles of the sultanates in accordance with the culture and history of this country. Remember, the ones who damaged Islam in this country are those who claim to be Muslim but are unwilling to be governed by their own religion while at the same time being used by other religions implicitly, perhaps brought about by slogans like tolerance, democracy, etc. When you think about it logically it is simple, when someone buys a horse brand motorcycle they will get a manual for the horse brand motorcycle, not another brand. The same applies in this instance. If someone claims to be Islam, this person would have Islamic guidelines like the Al-Quran and Hadith as references. If this person is unwilling to do so then we can say that this person has betrayed his/her religion.
    • aka
      April 1, 2014 @ 10:04:43PM
    • I want to support Aceh because it is there that the Islamic law is strong and prevalent. We need to support Aceh in enforcing Islamic law to the fullest.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:35PM
    • Religious figures commit corruption in agriculture and also in the provision of holy books. People are people, there is nothing wrong with religion or the Pancasila, only the people are to blame. Religious law cannot do anything if its implementation is not carried out as well as the law. The question is whether religious leaders are honest people? I highly doubt it, just look at their faces. They look like thugs and the type who like to mess around with women (who marry them informally). I'm just being honest.
    • muhamad yahya
      March 26, 2014 @ 08:03:40PM
    • In the Charter of Medina, Islamic law is carried out and non Muslims benefit by getting protection, because Muslims are law-abiding. This is what Muslims have been hoping for. Basically, the Islamic law sent down by Allah to prophet Muhammad's people will not be a detriment to mankind.
    • marakal budi
      May 6, 2014 @ 03:05:53AM
    • Law abiding. So, why do many Muslims commit corruption? Just stop talking, you filthy hypocrite.
    • asamson
      March 25, 2014 @ 09:03:27AM
    • The minorities are saying: "It would be bad if Islamic law is applied to non Muslims because then I would also be considered as an adult, having been through puberty, having reason and no longer an idiot. I want to wear miniskirts, tight pants to show myself off, like my smooth thighs, my protruding navel and anything I can to make the men stare. Damn, I can no longer sniff around my friend's goat, my neighbor, my friend's husband or wife, I would have to give up so many things I like". Oh, this also applies to Muslims, and all Muslims who are disobedient to their religion and like the same things I do. I means that I would have Muslim friends, so it would be fair. I'm just talking nonsense, I hope its true, ha, ha, ha.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:05PM
    • An ugly face breaks the mirror, right? Ha ha ha. Looking at smooth thighs does indeed trigger the libido, but as mature and civilized people, are we going to go ahead and rape someone? Let them wear whatever they want. Here's a question: if you saw a wrinkly grandmother naked, would you get turned on? If you are without virtue to begin with, even a goat with makeup would do, right?
    • agus
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:27AM
    • May the road to hell be a straight one for you.
    • lukman
      March 24, 2014 @ 07:03:16AM
    • This regulation is very strange. This is the same as converting all the people of Aceh to Islam. It is no wonder Allah punished them with a tsunami, seeing as how all the marijuana comes from Aceh. Great, keep cultivating those marijuana fields.
    • erna
      March 28, 2014 @ 04:03:34AM
    • Yes, Lukman, you can certainly count it when good fortune comes but when it comes time for misfortune, everyone is affected, including young children.
    • TEUKU MAULANA AL FANSURY
      April 3, 2014 @ 09:04:02PM
    • To hell with you, Lukman. If I ever meet you I will urinate on you. Aceh is not like your country, still crazy about Western culture.
    • agus
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:25AM
    • Yes we are capable of managing all that, unlike you.
    • AD
      March 23, 2014 @ 01:03:55AM
    • There should be one law for all the citizens of the country irrespective of their religion.We live in 21st century and so everyone has to change with time.
    • james
      March 22, 2014 @ 11:03:36PM
    • Aceh is a part of Indonesia, not the "country of Aceh". Please also respect the people who practice other religions there. If you want to implement Sharia law it should only apply to Muslims only.
    • GAM CANTOI
      March 28, 2014 @ 11:03:35PM
    • ABG James, we hold true the proverb: Wherever you plant your feet, there you will hold up the sky. OK, ABG James? Greetings from Hantu Laut.
    • VERA
      April 9, 2014 @ 06:04:20AM
    • ABG James the handsome, Do you think that if Muslims commit adultery in Aceh they should be caught and whipped? But if they are non-Muslims, we should turn a blind eye? Think with your brains, not your lips.
    • alam semesta
      April 13, 2014 @ 01:04:45PM
    • Are you regretful to be a Muslim because of its barbaric rules? Non-Muslims should be allowed to demand exemption from the sharia law, given that Aceh is a part of the Unified Republic of Indonesia which has its own laws. Don't forget that, unless Aceh makes a referendum or rebels and becomes its own nation.
    • Mhd Husni
      April 14, 2014 @ 07:04:48AM
    • So what you are saying is that if a non-Muslim were to gamble, drink alcohol, commit adultery, commit crime and sell drugs, we should do nothing? This country will be destroyed, not just Aceh, if civil law is that weak, especially pertaining to morality. Islamic sharia is consistent on all things.
    • wong edan
      April 19, 2014 @ 10:04:46PM
    • Husni, I want to ask you: where do you think all the marijuana in Indonesia come from? Think about it. Gambling can be found everywhere, there are even many underage girls who have become widows, in other words concealed up top and open down below. (They win by appearance only, an empty barrel makes the most noise).
    • agus
      April 24, 2014 @ 02:04:45AM
    • We have been given the privilege of making our own regulations, we are the Unified Republic of Indonesia's favorite children, unlike where you live.
    • ekosaputra
      May 4, 2014 @ 07:05:05AM
    • What of our Aceh brothers who commit adultery in Medan? We can see that during the holidays, many of our brothers go to Medan. They do not commit adultery in Aceh but they do so in Medan but this is not so for all the people of Aceh, only hypocrites commit adultery..
    • anang tazaruddin
      March 22, 2014 @ 08:03:06AM
    • Muslim, what is important is that we unite to build towards the advancement of the country and to achieve prosperity for all the people of Aceh. Let us not separate ourselves in the line of our interests like we are doing today, it will (once again) foster civil war.
    • maradono
      April 5, 2014 @ 09:04:23AM
    • Me too! As fellow countries with a Muslim majority population should not so easily be turned against one another as we go through life's challenges for trivial reasons! Not least neighbors like Malaysia, which creates jobs for Indonesians a priority and treats them like their own when they are here. We are sure that those who cause trouble in the past are infidels who do not want us to be friends.

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