Applying Islamic Law (Syari’at) in Aceh: A Perspective from Within

The implementation of Islamic law fulfills one of the aspirations of the Acehnese people, namely the need to maintain identity. Islam is Aceh's identity which has been developed through a long historical process. The people of Aceh themselves have demanded the implementation of Islamic law since the beginning of independence. It is said that this Islamic sharia also fostered the spirit of nationalism of the Acehnese people to defend this archipelago. Due to the neglect of these needs, conflict between Aceh and the Central Government occurred. When the Central Government fulfills the aspirations of the people of Aceh when the conflict has already occurred, the meaning will be different, not wholehearted, and suspicion will automatically arise. The cruelty and violence that occurs in societies where law enforcement is low is actually much greater and more destructive. Almost every day in various print and electronic media news is presented about murders, assaults, thefts and so on. But almost all of them just disappeared without adequate legal solutions. As a result, it is not uncommon for us to read in other news that there are thieves or people who are accused of stealing or people who are shouted at for stealing, who are then arrested and then judged by a large crowd; and some even died and were burned. After investigation, it turned out that the accused was proven innocent. In this case, strict punishment based on clear references seems to be necessary to avoid even greater damage.