Indonesia Sharia Law: Good days of tourists are over in Bali, government’s eye from clothes to behavior
There is a country in the southern part of Asia, which is made up of 17,508 islands. The population of this country is 28 crores. Actually, we are talking about Indonesia. Indonesia with a Muslim majority population is considered one of the major economies of Asia. Indonesia is counted among the largest economies of South Asia. In a way, Indonesia is a modern country.
If we keep these things aside, then at present the situation of this country has become different. Now a manual or say a decree has been issued by the government for the tourists. Showing a glimpse of Sharia law, this decree has warned the passengers that if they disobey the rules of the government, they will be directly handed a return ticket. Bali Governor Wayne Koster has issued a circular with certain rules.
In the circular, it has been clearly said for the tourists that they should respect all the religious symbols, holy idols and temples of the country. It is strictly forbidden to take obscene photographs, while if someone wants to participate in the local programs here, they have to keep their costumes local and women cannot participate in these ceremonies during periods. Please tell that more than 120 tourists from Indonesia have been returned to their country for not following the government rules.
Western part living in ancient times
However, there is a part of this modern country which is still living in ‘ancient times’.
When you go to the big cities of Indonesia, you will see high-rise buildings, fast running vehicles on the roads. But as soon as you go to the western part of the country, you will reach a province that has nothing to do with the modern world. Here neither the democracy implemented in the country nor its law and order works. The name of this province is Aceh, where justice is not done through democratic law, but Sharia law here decides the fate of the people.
How is the province of Aceh different from the rest of the country?
In the rest of Indonesia, people enjoy the facilities available in modern countries. He can go to the theater to watch the film. You can walk hand in hand with anyone. Can date online. Can play online games. Anyone can kiss anyone. But as soon as people reach Aceh province, the situation is completely reversed.
You can neither watch movies nor play online games in Aceh. Well forget online dating. All these things have been banned. If you want to enter into a relationship with someone without marriage, then think twice, because if caught, there will be public flogging. To be caught drinking means that you have committed the biggest crime.
Why is Sharia law implemented in Aceh?
Reforms started in Indonesia in 1998, under which the government gave special status to Aceh Province. Aceh was going through a rebellion at that time. The government first introduced Sharia law in 2001 to give the region autonomy. The aim of the government was to convince the rebels who revolted. The government felt that the struggle going on to free Aceh should end.
Aceh’s rebels initially showed no interest in implementing Sharia. But then a peace accord was signed between the Indonesian government and rebel leaders in Finland in 2005, under which Sharia law was implemented. However, before this peace deal, Aceh formally adopted Sharia law in 2003.
