- VIVAnews/Tri Saputro
VIVAnews – The Governor of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Irwandi Yusuf, backs up measures taken up by the police in Aceh following arrest of dozens of young men and women of so-called punks in the province. The governor claimed the action has no relation with the implementation of Islamic law in Aceh.
“People often relate this with the Sharia law in Aceh. In fact, it has nothing to do with it,” Irwandi said today, Dec 20.
Police, said Irwandi, only wanted the punkers to attend school, work and go home to their parents.
“It's true that they have their rights. But, the government must also think about their future,” said Irwandi, who is running for the second term of Aceh Governor's office.
Regarding the method, Irwandi said, that it is up to police standards. For instance, to join the police, students need to be shaved, soaked in water, and other disciplinary acts.
“To be more precise about it, ask the Police Chief,” Irwandi said.
Irwandi said that the measure was not against Human Rights.
“Who will think about their rights in the future? They cannot live like this forever, sleeping on sidewalks,” said Irwandi. “All I’m asking is that for them to live a normal life even if they have to sleep in parks.”
“If they make mistakes, they should be offered help. Even if they violate the law by falsifying documents and using illegal drugs, although not all of them use drugs, but they still need to be corrected by the police,” said Irwandi. “About the head shaving and being immersed in pool, well, that’s the police’s method.”
Dozens of young men and women have been detained for being "punk" and disturbing the peace in Aceh, Indonesia's most devoutly Muslim province. They are being held in a remedial school, where they are undergoing "re-education".
The 64 punks, many of whom are from as far away as Bali or Jakarta, were picked up on Saturday night during a local concert.
This is the second time Aceh's police have clamped down on punks in the province, which is the only province in Indonesia allowed to implement sharia law.
