Indonesia’s Aceh Region Tightens Rules on Separation of Men and Women in Public
In a bid to curb sinful behavior, Indonesia’s religiously conservative Aceh province has introduced stricter regulations that separate men and women in public spaces and vehicles. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that practices Sharia, or Islamic law. The new rules, recently made public, aim to reinforce Sharia law and promote adherence to Islamic values in daily life.
One of the key points in the official notice states that men and women who are not married or related should not sit together in public places, secluded areas, or vehicles. Additionally, coffee shops, which serve as the main form of entertainment in the province, have been instructed to limit their operating hours and shut down at midnight. To further enforce the regulations, the mayor of Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh, has forbidden women from public areas beyond 11 p.m.
According to Muhammad MTA, a spokesperson for the Aceh government, the new rules are designed to reduce immorality and mold a generation of individuals who faithfully comply with Islamic values. However, critics argue that these measures are merely a distraction from the rampant corruption within the government.
The government notice does not specify the potential punishments for those who violate the rules, but under Aceh’s Sharia, penalties such as caning are imposed for offenses such as alcohol consumption, gambling, adultery, and violations of dress code. Mayor Amiruddin has announced that the Sharia Police, known as Wilayatul Hisbah, will be deployed to ensure compliance with the regulations.
The move has raised concerns among women’s rights activists who view the new rules as discriminatory towards women. They argue that once again, women are becoming victims of government policies. Small business owners, especially those operating coffee shops, are also worried about the implications of the restrictions. Some locals claim that authorities suspect certain coffee shops to be venues for prostitution deals, although no specific reasons were mentioned in the government notice.
Shop owners argue that the limitation on operating hours will negatively impact their business, affecting their income and potentially leading to financial troubles. While the government claims these measures aim to reduce sinful activities, activists and critics believe that the authorities should focus on combating corruption and improving public welfare instead of repressing individuals’ economic activities.
Aceh, located in the northwest of Sumatra island, obtained special autonomy in 2005 after a peace agreement ended the conflict with a separatist group. In 2002, the province was granted permission to use Sharia as its legal code, partially to address demands for independence.
The introduction of stricter rules in Aceh sparks a debate regarding the balance between religious principles, individual freedoms, and governance. While some argue that these measures are necessary to uphold moral values, others criticize them for infringing upon personal liberties and diverting attention from more pressing issues, such as corruption and poverty alleviation. The impact of these new regulations on the population and the province’s overall development remains to be seen.
