What are the restrictions imposed by the Sharia law in Aceh, Sumatra?

5/26/2015 12:07:59 PM

Aceh’s sharia is pretty standard if strict stuff:

  • No alcohol or gambling.
  • No khalwat (“proximity”) between unrelated, unchaperoned men and women. This extends not just to the obvious (eg. sharing a hotel room), but even dining together in restaurants etc.
    • That said, an unmarried Western couple can simply claim to be married, and they’ll most likely be just fine.
  • Conservative dress for women: headscarf required, no bare arms, no open necklines, no tight pants/leggings or bikinis on the beach.
  • Shops and restaurants close during prayers five times a day.
  • Friday is a holiday, many shops are closed either entirely, or during/from the noon prayers. Sports, swimming etc is generally not appropriate.

There is some confusion over whether sharia even applies to non-Muslim visitors. Legally, the answer appears to be “yes”, but in practice, not really — I’m certainly not aware of any visitor getting punished under sharia law. Enforcement also varies by region, touristy bits like the beaches of Sabang (Weh) don’t really bother and even alcohol is widely available (if pricier than usual).

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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