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SMS: Aceh's stoning bylaw
Your comments on the passing of a bylaw on jinayat (Islamic Criminal Code) by the Aceh Provincial Legislative Council, which among others regulate on stoning to death for adultery
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our comments on the passing of a bylaw on jinayat (Islamic Criminal Code) by the Aceh Provincial Legislative Council, which among others regulate on stoning to death for adultery.
This decision has been widely printed in the US media, and does nothing to improve and substantiate Indonesia's image as a forward-looking, modern, democratic nation. Medieval laws such as this always seem to target women, and I was happy to hear that women's groups in Indonesia were in the forefront to fight this legislation.
Judy Slattum
Capitola, US
I think that despite all the progresses made by the province that managed to vigorously reinvent itself after the tsunami, there is still a lack of understanding of what is Aceh's cultural heritage.
Indonesians are not Arabs, neither are the Acehnese. Their culture is precious and it is as valuable, deep and as respectful as any other. Chopping off hands and stoning people is not part of the Indonesian or Acehnese heritage.
Jahluca
Banda Aceh
This is a bad thing for Aceh and Indonesia. Religious fanaticism is the root of terrorism and violates basic human rights. Killing people just because they had sex or punishing people for having same-sex-relations is a crime and can't be excused by any religious background. It is also against the constitution of Indonesia which guarantees human rights.
I am glad there is strong resistance to it and I hope the latest the new council of Aceh with a majority of moderate and open-minded members will cancel this dangerous law. But it would be much better for the international reputation of Indonesia if this was done already by the Constitutional Court.
Michael Kreuzberg
Tarakan, East Kalimantan
What a big step backwards. I guess as long as no one sees them it will be alright. It needs four witnesses against the accused.
Paul
Jimbaran, Bali
We must respect the willingness of the Aceh people to use Islamic law. Bung Karno itself once promised them about it. But our regime changed to the tyrannical Soeharto. So for stability I think it's better to follow what they want than having conflicts again.
Raka
Surakarta, Central Java
