Indonesia: New Year celebrations banned in Aceh Province Dec. 31-Jan. 1

Event

Authorities in Sabang (Aceh Province) have issued a ban on New Year celebrations for both tourists and residents during the night of Tuesday, December 31, and Wednesday, January 1, 2020, in accordance with the Sharia Law implemented in the region.

Context

Aceh (5 million inhabitants; capital Banda Aceh) is an Indonesian province located in the northern end of Sumatra. It is the only region of Indonesia - the world's most populous Muslim majority country - imposing strict Islamic law. Severe restrictive measures in daily life have already led to repeated international criticism of the Aceh authorities in the past.

Advice

Individuals visiting Aceh province - an area where Sharia law is in force - should be aware that there have been reports of Sharia (religious) police harassing foreigners, and adhere to local religious law and customs.