Aceh, Indonesia – A young couple has been subjected to 140 strokes of the cane in a public punishment session in Aceh province, after being found guilty of having sex outside marriage and consuming alcohol both offenses under Sharia law.
The punishment, carried out on Thursday, January 30, 2026, is reported to be a record number of strokes in Aceh. The 21-year-old woman fainted during the ordeal, crying as three female officers took turns striking her with a rattan cane. She was later carried off the stage by officers and taken to an ambulance.
Details of the Punishment
The couple’s sentence combined penalties for two offenses:
- 100 strokes for sex outside marriage.
- 40 strokes for consuming alcohol.
They were punished alongside four others, including an officer from Aceh’s Islamic police force, who was found guilty of being in close proximity with a woman in a private setting. Both the officer and his female partner received 23 strokes each.
Muhammad Rizal, head of Aceh’s Islamic police force, confirmed that the officer would be dismissed following the incident.
Criticism of Caning Practices
Caning is a common punishment in Aceh, the only province in Muslim-majority Indonesia that enforces Sharia law. However, the practice has long drawn criticism from rights groups who argue it is cruel and inhumane.
Azharul Husna, Aceh coordinator for the Indonesian rights group Kontras, said the rules around such punishments are not properly regulated and should be improved to better support individuals after they are caned.
Background
Aceh’s Islamic criminal code prescribes public caning for a range of offenses, including adultery, alcohol consumption, and same-sex relations. While the practice is defended by local authorities as a deterrent, it continues to spark international concern over human rights violations.
Conclusion
The record-setting punishment in Aceh highlights the province’s strict enforcement of Sharia law and the ongoing debate over the use of corporal punishment in Indonesia. As rights groups call for reform, the incident underscores the tension between religious conservatism and global human rights standards.
