Islamic Shari'a Not Wanted by the Aceh Community
Tuesday, 15 August, 2006 | 13:45 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Prime Minister of the Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM) Malik Mahmud Al Haytar has stated that the adoption of the Islamic Shari'a is not what is hoped for by the society of Aceh.

“It is wished that there are peaceful and plural situations for the people of Aceh,” Malik said to reporters after giving a speech at the International Conference to commemorate one year of the Acehnese peace treaty at the Shangri-la Hotel last night (14/8) in Jakarta.

According to Malik, GAM's struggle is not only based on religion and this attitude is still maintained up to now. In terms of what is happening in Aceh or what is being adopted in Aceh recently is not by any means caused by GAM. “I think that the community of Aceh do not wish that,” Malik said.

Malik said that in the Acehnese history of Islam, it is traditional Islam that has existed in Aceh. “Islam is a religion that has long existed in Aceh. It is traditional Islam that has adhered to by the Acehnese people,” Malik said.

Malik has stated that he has just heard of a caning sentence issued in Aceh. Malik is convinced that this is not the Islamic tradition in Aceh..

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