Between Label and Substance

The application of Islamic Syariah law in Indonesia remains a never-ending controversy. Then, why are so many busying hemselves just with a label?

December 25, 2001

Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam is different from other provinces in Indonesia. There, Arabic letters dominate on buildings and city attributes. Government buildings, shopping centers, and roads all have hijaiyah letters affixed to them, alongside the roman ones. All the names of roads in Bireuen have even been changed into Arabic, without leaving even one roman letter, while all letterheads and envelopes in government offices have also been doubled

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