As New Year’s Eve approaches, authorities in Aceh Besar are preparing to enforce a strict ban on celebrations marking the transition from 2024 to 2025. The region’s Sharia Police, supported by other security forces, will conduct patrols to ensure compliance with Islamic values and local customs.
Muhajir, the head of the Aceh Besar Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), explained that the initiative aligns with directives from the local government. “We have mobilized 70 personnel to patrol areas considered prone to violations,” he stated.
The enforcement team will include members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), working together to uphold Islamic law during the year-end period. Their efforts aim to prevent activities deemed contrary to Aceh’s religious and cultural principles.
Muhajir encouraged residents to forgo traditional New Year’s celebrations and instead focus on family and spirituality. “New Year’s celebrations do not align with our culture. We urge everyone to spend the evening in prayer, reflecting on personal growth and preparing for a better year ahead,” he said.
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In Sabang, another city within the conservative province, a similar prohibition has been announced. Acting Mayor Andri Nourman emphasized that all forms of New Year’s festivities, including fireworks, alcohol consumption, and public gatherings, are banned as they conflict with Islamic teachings.
“We call on all residents to refrain from hosting or participating in New Year’s events. This includes activities like sounding trumpets, motor racing, and mixed-gender gatherings, which are inconsistent with Aceh’s customs and values,” Andri stated. Hotel and restaurant owners have also been instructed not to organize or facilitate New Year-related events.
To ensure compliance, security patrols will be deployed across Sabang on December 31. These measures aim to uphold public order and promote the province’s commitment to Islamic principles.
Aceh, located at the northern tip of Sumatra Island, operates under special autonomy that allows the implementation of Sharia law. This unique arrangement was established following a peace agreement that ended decades of conflict and was further solidified after the catastrophic tsunami of December 26, 2004. As the only Indonesian province enforcing Islamic law, Aceh has garnered attention for its strict adherence to these principles, including the use of public caning as a legal punishment.
By prioritizing peace and order, Aceh’s authorities hope to foster a reflective and spiritually focused transition into 2025 while preserving the region’s cultural and religious integrity.
