TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Advisory Board (Watimpres) visited Aceh to gather data and information on the broadcasting ethical code and inter-religion socialization in the region.
“We came to Aceh to gather information and study several issues related to the implementation of the Islamic Law,” team chief Azyumardi Azra said today, September 5.
In addition, Azyumardi said that his team will look into laws and regulations, broadcast ethical codes, religious building constructions, non-Muslim institutions, and other topics in Aceh.
“We will also hear suggestions and recommendations from the Aceh administration to be reported to the President,” Azyumardi added.
Aceh regional secretary Kamaruddin said that the visit of the team will clarify the actual condition in Aceh, “including the implementation of the Islamic Law and the inter-religious tolerance in Aceh.”
Aceh Islamic Law Agency head Munawar said a religious conflict rarely occurs in the region.
“Outsiders frequently exaggerate things related to the implementation of the Islamic Law in Aceh,” Munawar said. “The Islamic Law in Aceh supports tolerance and upholds human rights.”
Aceh is the only province in Indonesia granted special autonomy to implement the Islamic Law. With such a law, the region's administration has the authority to impose lash punishments against, for instance, gamblers and homosexuals.
Edrian, head of the legal bureau at the Aceh Regional Secretariat, said that most non-Muslims preferred lash punishment instead of going to jail.
ADI WARSIDI
