T IPS
Aceh: a guide for visitors
Intan Tanjung & Wienda P arwitasariT he Jakarta Post
Four Aceh women sit outside a mosque after performing Dhuhur ritual prayers in Baiturahman mosque, Nang g roe Aceh Darusallam, Wednesday, May 25. (The Jakarta Post/Wienda Parwitasari)
Jakarta | Fri, June 10 2016 | 03:42 pm LikeLike
Indonesia’s westernmost province is famously known as Mecca’s Verandah and a place that strictly imposes Islamic moral law, known as Sharia. Indonesia’s secular central government granted the province the right to implement a version of Sharia in 2016 as part of peace deal to end a separatist war.
Despite controversy and serious concerns from human rights activists regarding gender inequality, the province enforced the law in 2014 after
clothes for Muslim women, and caning as a punishment for a variety of crimes, including sexual acts considered immoral.
However, don’t let the province's strict laws stop you from visiting Aceh as a tourist. Here are the basic things you must know so you are prepared for your Aceh trip.
H ija b H ija b
Since 98 percent of Aceh residents are Muslim, most of the women you'll see there cover their heads. But if you’re a traveling non-Muslim, Aceh Sharia
Police will give you an exception, as long as you’re a foreigner and able to show your identity as proof that you’re a non-Muslim.
This exception also applies to Aceh’s Chinese and non-Muslim residents. Female Muslim tourists who don’t wear a hijab are also allowed, as long as they wear modest clothing. Muslim residents who don’t have their heads covered will have their hair forcibly cut by officials.
( R e a d a l s o :
( R e a d a l s o : 5 t r a d it io na l mus t -t r y c ul ina r y d e l ig ht s o f A c e h5 t r a d it io na l mus t -t r y c ul ina r y d e l ig ht s o f A c e h))
N o s ho r t s N o s ho r t s
Save your hot pants for Bali and instead wear long loose trousers in the Islamic province. Wearing long pants is allowed by Sharia, as long as they are not fitted or jeans, because these types of trousers are considered too tight as they can reveal a women’s body shape.
This particular aspect of Sharia came into effect in 2009.
R a id s R a id s
Banda Aceh city has implemented a curfew that doesn’t allow businesses like restaurants or cafes to serve women after 11 p.m. in order to decrease sexual harassment. In addition, officials also hold raids to check whether residents are complying with the official moral standards or not, including checking if
women are wearing appropriate clothes.
In the province, religious police officers often stop vehicles, including
motorbikes. If you are stopped by a patrol or raid, just show your ID to prove that you’re a foreigner visiting the province.
V is it in g B a it u r r a h ma n mo s q u e V is it in g B a it u r r a h ma n mo s q u e
tsunami that struck the city in 2006.
If you visit the mosque, wear appropriate all-covering Muslim clothing. Don’t wear fitted pants or jeans. But don’t worry if you don’t have any, the mosque officials will provide you with a tunic to cover up your body. (asw)
The Jakarta Post
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6 Comments Sort by
Indra Devineasia ·
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
A perfect place for those who love to TRAVEL BACK IN TIME to the 7th century....
Like · Reply · 1 · 10 June 2016 04:46
Indra Devineasia ·
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
A perfect place for those who love to TRAVEL BACK IN TIME to the 7th century....
Like · Reply · 10 June 2016 04:47
Indra Devineasia ·
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
"But if you’re a traveling non-Muslim, Aceh Sharia Police will give you an exception, as long as you’re a foreigner and able to show your identity as proof that you’re a non-Muslim"
Hence, as a non-Muslim Indonesian our wifes still has to wear a veil... STONE AGE!
Like · Reply · 10 June 2016 04:50
Kampungan Johnny
The STONE age do not end because we are running out of stones
Like · Reply · 12 June 2016 00:24
Indra Devineasia ·
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
A friend of mine is doing good business supplying JW (which sells at USD120 a bottle) and gets paid in Aceh Gold.... hehehehe... both are rich by now and have choosen to live and enjoy the profits in Singapore instead....
Like · Reply · 10 June 2016 04:54
Philip Jolicoeur
Muslim residents who don’t have their heads covered will have their hair forcibly cut by officials. good one boys , keep up the good work
Like · Reply · 11 June 2016 05:18
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