Indonesia’s Aceh bans New Year festivities

As millions of Indonesians prepare to celebrate New Year's Eve in public spaces across the world’s most populous Muslim country by blowing horns and setting off fireworks Thursday, festivities were banned in some cities in conservative Aceh province.

Banda Aceh’s mayor said she had joined the heads of other municipalities in calling on residents not to celebrate the New Year with activities based in Muslim practices, or parties including fireworks, trumpets and other activities “without purpose”.

"It is forbidden for us Muslims because it is contrary to the Islamic faith,” Kompas.co quoted Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal as saying. “For non-Muslims, we do not forbid [celebrations], but we ask them not to celebrate it in public spaces."

Around 470 religious police will be on watch at 48 locations throughout Banda Aceh, which has prohibited Muslims from such celebrations since 2013 through a ban under which violators are not penalized.

Djamal has also issued orders that vendors are not to sell firecrackers, fireworks and horns to Muslims in the city, which has a population of more than 300 thousand people.

A similar ban exists in most regencies and cities in the province, which has been implementing Islamic penal bylaws since 2001.

A 2005 peace deal between the secular central government and the Free Aceh Movement separatist group ensured that the region would be allowed to enforce a form of Sharia law.

Fadhil, a Banda Aceh resident who like many Indonesians uses only one name, told Anadolu Agency that he did not object to the rule as it brought “goodness to the community”.

"Whatever the policy of the leader may be, as long as it’s good for the community, it does not matter," he said.

The sentiment is not shared by all residents, including Thamren Ananda who said that the city government need not become involved in the issue of New Year celebrations, as it is not related to the welfare of society.

He argued that the government should instead focus on improving public services, such as access to clean water, fixing potholes and curbing flooding.

"It is much more important than addressing the New Year," Acehkita.com quoted him as saying.

Festivities across the archipelago Thursday are set to begin around 6 p.m. and last until after midnight as participants welcome the new year, with some regions celebrating with cultural parades, barbecues including roast fish and fireworks.

In capital Jakarta, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to the waterfront resort area of Ancol to enjoy musical performances and a fireworks display.