An Indonesian cleric who worked on developing the Aceh region’s strict anti-LGBTI+ and anti-adultery laws has been punished for having an affair with a married woman.

Mukhlis bin Muhammad was apprehended by Aceh police in September, and sentenced to be punished by caning under the Sharia law of the region which Mukhlis helped to install.

Mukhlis is a member of the Aceh Ulema Council (MPU), which advises the Aceh government and overseen laws that have banned adultery, homosexuality, alcohol and gambling.

Deputy Mayor of the area, Husaini Wahab, said the caning of Mukhlis and the woman he was found with, was God’s law.

“Anyone must be flogged if proven guilty,” Wahab said, “Even if he is a member of the MPU.”

In 2018, two gay men were lashed 86 times each under Aceh’s Sharia law, after being caught having sex. In 2017, two other men were caned 83 times.

The government of Aceh announced in 2018 that the public punishment of homosexuals would end, instead holding the canings within prison walls.

OIP Staff