Woman faints after being caned 140 times under Indonesian province’s sharia law | Indonesia

Woman faints after being caned 140 times under Indonesian province’s sharia law | Indonesia

January 30, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

A couple in Indonesia’s Aceh province received 140 cane lashes each as punishment for having sex outside of marriage and consuming alcohol. The public punishment, carried out by Sharia police, is believed to be one of the most severe since the region adopted Islamic law in 2001.

Sharia Law in Aceh

Aceh is the only province in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, where sharia law is formally implemented. Sexual relations between unmarried individuals are strictly prohibited under this legal code. The caning took place in a public park, witnessed by dozens of people, according to an AFP reporter.

Did You Know? Sharia law in Aceh punishes a range of offenses, including gambling, drinking alcohol, having gay sex, and sexual relations outside of marriage.

The Punishment

The couple was struck on their backs with a rattan stick. The woman reportedly fainted during the punishment and required medical attention. The total of 140 lashes was comprised of 100 for the sexual offense and 40 for drinking alcohol, as stated by Muhammad Rizal, the head of Banda Aceh’s Sharia police.

Broader Enforcement

This couple was not alone in facing punishment. Six individuals were flogged for violations of the Islamic code. This included a member of the Sharia police and his female companion, who were found together in a private place and received 23 lashes each. Muhammad Rizal stated that exceptions would not be made, “especially not for our own members,” acknowledging the negative impact on the police force’s reputation.

Expert Insight: The public nature of these punishments, and the inclusion of a Sharia police officer among those flogged, suggests a strong commitment to demonstrating the consistent application of the law, regardless of status or position. This could be interpreted as an effort to reinforce the authority of the sharia legal system within the region.

In 2025, two men were publicly flogged 76 times each after being found guilty of sexual relations by the sharia court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What offenses are punishable by caning in Aceh?

Caning is used to punish offenses including gambling, drinking alcohol, having gay sex, and having sexual relations outside of marriage.

Who carried out the caning?

The caning was carried out by Sharia police in Banda Aceh, with Muhammad Rizal, the head of the Sharia police, overseeing the process.

What was the reaction to the punishment of the Sharia police officer?

Muhammad Rizal acknowledged that the punishment of a Sharia police officer “certainly tarnishes our name,” but stated that no exceptions were made in the application of the law.

What impact these punishments will have on the local population and the broader application of sharia law remains to be seen. Further enforcement actions could follow, or the severity of punishments could be adjusted. It is also possible that public opinion could influence future decisions regarding the implementation of these laws.