I would like to comment on the latest development in Aceh regarding the curfew imposed on women
would like to comment on the latest development in Aceh regarding the curfew imposed on women. We Acehnese women strongly abhor Rizki Ananda's view (''Let Aceh be with its sharia', The Jakarta Post, June 18) that Acehnese women should not be allowed to go out at night and visit coffee shops.
We believe it is the right of every person, whether man or woman. The current restriction on women is dragging Aceh back to the Dark Ages. The Islam we know and believe in is a religion that does not treat women as a mere complement to men. Women are also entitled to the same basic rights as men. The Koran says that a person's virtue is judged based on his/her faith, regardless of gender.
We want the world to see Aceh in a comprehensive light. Many strong women have shaped Aceh's social, economic and political history. If Aceh continues to treat its women in such a discriminative manner, there will never be development or prosperity in Aceh.
We, Acehnese women, do not want to leave under oppression and fascism masked by religious misinterpretation. We want to live peacefully, in a place that respects our worth.
Sri Wahyuni
Aceh Women's activist
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