Taboos in North Aceh

Many common behaviors are now defined as deviant in North Aceh. For example, while it is relatively normal in other parts of Indonesia for men and women to ride tandem on motorcycles, in North Aceh such behavior is banned. While in other areas store owners regularly use mannequins to market their apparel, in North Aceh mannequins are prohibited for having the power to arouse male desire.

These and other rules have been brought about by the North Aceh Regional Legislative Council's (DPRK) passage of the the Qanun (bylaw) on Public Benefit and Order. "This qanun resulted from our discussion with ulama [religious leaders] to curb the spread of vice, which is currently spreading fast," said DPRK Speaker Tengku Fauzan two weeks ago.

May 19, 2015

Many common behaviors are now defined as deviant in North Aceh. For example, while it is relatively normal in other parts of Indonesia for men and women to ride tandem on motorcycles, in North Aceh such behavior is banned. While in other areas store owners regularly use mannequins to market their apparel, in North Aceh mannequins are prohibited for having the power to arouse male desire.

These and other rules have been brought about by the North

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