A couple in Indonesia’s Aceh province were caned on Thursday for violating Sharia law after kissing on a TikTok livestream, according to multiple local reports. Putra Ramadhan, 22, and Linda Hastuti, 25, received 21 lashes each after serving 30 days in custody, according to Infopolisi. Their sentences were carried out in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, with Ramadhan caned while standing and Hastuti while seated on a stage, per Detikcom.
The pair was arrested in April after a video of their kiss on TikTok led to a report from a resident, according to M. Rizal, head of the Banda Aceh City Public Order Agency. Evidence included video screenshots, which were used to pursue legal action through the Sharia Court. Aceh is the only Indonesian province where Islamic law is enforced, a status granted in 2006 to address separatist tensions, according to The Associated Press.
What happened next?
Human rights groups condemned the punishment, with Amnesty International calling caning “cruel, inhuman, and degrading.” The organization urged Indonesia to end the criminalization of consensual intimacy and repeal laws allowing corporal punishment. No further legal steps were mentioned in the sources, but advocates may push for international scrutiny.
Why does this matter?
Aceh’s strict enforcement of Sharia law highlights tensions between regional autonomy and national secularism. The case underscores the legal risks of public displays of affection in the province, where unmarried couples face penalties under Islamic law. The reduced sentence for time served reflects a common practice in some Indonesian legal systems.
What are the broader implications?
The punishment draws attention to the intersection of religious law and human rights in Indonesia. While Aceh’s Sharia framework is legally recognized, international organizations have repeatedly criticized its application. The case could fuel debates about legal reforms or increased advocacy efforts by human rights groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the punishment given to the couple?
They received 21 lashes each after serving 30 days in custody, according to Infopolisi.
Why is Aceh the only province with Sharia law?
Indonesia’s central government allowed Aceh to implement Islamic law in 2006 to quell separatist sentiments, per The Associated Press.
What did human rights groups say?
Amnesty International condemned the caning as “cruel, inhuman, and degrading,” urging Indonesia to end the criminalization of consensual intimacy.
How might this case influence future legal debates in Indonesia?
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