The recent arrest of two girls for allegedly being lesbians in Banda Aceh, capital of the predominantly Muslim province of Aceh, which has implemented Shariah law since 2001, violated human rights, church officials said. On Sept. 28, the local Shariah police known as Wilayatul Hisbah arrested the girls identified by age and initials as 18-year-old Read more
A finance company is planning to provide interest-free mortgages to Muslims. Paying or receiving interest on loans is forbidden in Islam. Islamic loans involve various alternative ways for the borrower to repay the lender at a premium, while technically not charging interest. Brian Henry, managing director of Amanah Ethical, said it was important to understand Read more
The ongoing protests by a Muslim extremist fringe has led to the closure of three Christian places of worship in the province of Aceh, the only province in Indonesia where Shariah (Islamic law) is enacted. According to the radical movement the churches were illegal and they have demanded – under threat – the intervention of Read more