It seems almost natural that the Aceh legislature has passed a bill on adultery based on Islamic sharia - which derives from the Koran and Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Muhammad). According to the Koran, adultery is punishable by 100 strokes of the cane. A married person committing adultery has to be stoned to death.
This should come as no surprise to us given the central government's commitment to honoring the political arrangements of 2001 that gave Aceh semi-autonomy and the unique position of being administered by Islamic sharia. Interestingly, the bill on adultery which was passed in early October this year by Aceh's regional parliament is still being put on hold. The Aceh governor, the sole executor of any policies designed for the province, is reportedly still not willing to sign it into law.
The bill's fate is still not clear. But, if such a thing - the passing of the bill by the regional parliament on one hand, and the unwillingness of the executive to sign it on the other - persists, it will not only create a political debacle in the region, but also raise questions regarding the whole idea of sharia as the governing mechanism of the province. (Written by Bachtiar Effendy)
Your comments:
I hope the availability of factual information on the Internet will eventually lead to the destruction of faith-based states (i.e. states based on incorrect and ancient thought). To begin with, though, perhaps decent people around the world should join together in refusing to support or help the people of Aceh as long as they live under such ridiculous rules that are pure fiction.
I certainly can't see many tourists wanting to visit such a backward province.
I feel sorry for ordinary people in Aceh (especially the women who are treated like dirt) and encourage them to move further south or protest about this nonsense. You deserve much better than you currently get in Aceh.
Bobby Woodward
Medan
The strong implication in this article is that theocracies do not progress, because freedom of thought and expression is forfeit. A modern society has liberty, which is not just a consequence of "capitalism". What is needed is tolerance, not dogmatic demands that all people must follow a certain belief.
Brien D
Brisbane
Peace be upon you. I also have to agree with a comment saying sharia is the most perfect law because it comes from God. People call it cruel, but it is preventive actually.
Just recently there was a breaking news item on Sky news channel about a man, sorry I can't remember the name, who spent 15 years in prison for rape, just to be released and rape and kill 10 more women.
The law of man, you can call it as fair as you want, does not function. Who better to know the nature of men than God?
Senada
Malang, East Java
Effendi has put it brilliantly! Sharia "laws", which will never allow equality and liberation for Muslim women/girls and gays can never be progressive.
Besides, is there such an unjust God that has no love but only imposes punishment? How could there be love?
Katharina Sri
Germany
Sharia is okay in an Islamic state like Iran but Indonesia is a "democratic" state.
Indonesia must make a choice - a democratic state cannot be controlled by Islamic sharia.
Dan Danske
Denpasar
I really disagree with your opinion. I think Islamic law will create fairness, welfare and reduce crime. The law was made by Allah and it was taken by Prophet Muhammad. So there is no doubt about it.
Tolikking
Kalimantan
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