By Wellington Jopelo
A woman reportedly collapsed after receiving dozens of cane strokes during a public punishment carried out under Islamic law in Indonesia’s Aceh province, drawing fresh reactions over the region’s controversial Sharia system.
The incident happened in Banda Aceh where religious enforcement officers publicly flogged several people accused of violating Islamic laws enforced in the province. Witnesses said the woman struggled to remain standing before eventually losing consciousness during the punishment session.
Reports said she and a man were punished after authorities found them guilty of having sexual relations outside marriage, an offence punishable under Aceh’s local Islamic regulations.
Officials reportedly paused the exercise after the woman fainted before medical workers moved in to assist her. The punishment later continued after she regained consciousness.
Aceh remains the only province in Indonesia allowed to fully implement Sharia-based criminal laws after receiving special autonomy status from the central government years ago.
Under the system, offences such as gambling, alcohol consumption, adultery, and same-sex relations can attract public flogging and other penalties.
Public caning exercises in Aceh are usually carried out before crowds and often attract both local residents and tourists who gather to witness the punishments.
Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned the practice, arguing that public flogging is degrading and violates international human rights standards.
Critics also say the punishments can leave lasting physical and emotional effects on those involved, especially women and vulnerable individuals.
Despite the criticism, authorities in Aceh continue to defend the practice, insisting that the punishments serve as deterrents against immoral behaviour and help maintain religious values in the province.
The latest incident has again sparked debate online, with some people condemning the punishment while others defended the province’s right to enforce its religious laws.
Indonesia officially recognises several religions and largely operates under a national legal system, but Aceh enjoys special powers to apply stricter Islamic regulations due to its unique political and historical status.
International rights organisations have in recent years called on the Indonesian government to review or end public caning in Aceh, but local authorities have continued to resist pressure for major reforms.