Indonesia Has 20,000 Long Skirts For All Those Jean Wearing Young Tarts

Indonesia used to be a moderate Islamic nation, and although most Muslims there still are moderate, the ultra conservative types are waging a battle, and they seem to be winning (as they are elsewhere in the world), by imposing their wills on the rest of the population. Unfortunately, the majority are suffering the consequences of the mandates of a minority. Aceh is the first region to embrace the extreme, imposing or trying to impose all sorts of bans. Although the women there wear the hijab, Aceh has now banned any revealing form-fitting clothing, which means no jeans. Many women prefer to wear them while driving their motorbikes, a common form of transportation, but they must now wear long skirts , which might prove to be very challenging. Many in Indonesia have criticized the ban, but Aceh authorities could care less and purchased 20,000 long skirts to give to women caught violating the ban. Most of the women in Aceh are not too happy.

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During raids on Thursday, when the new law came into effect, Islamic police caught 18 women travelling on motorbikes who were wearing traditional headscarves but were also dressed in jeans. Each woman was given a long skirt and her trousers were confiscated. The women were released from police custody after giving their identities and receiving advice from Islamic preachers.

"I am not wearing sexy outfits, but they caught me like a terrorist only because of my jeans," said Imma, a 40-year-old housewife who uses only one name. She said that wearing jeans is more comfortable when she travels by motorbike.

Motorbikes are commonly used by both men and women in Indonesia.

"The rule applies only to Muslim residents in West Aceh," Ramli Mansur, head of West Aceh district, told The Associated Press. "We don't enforce it for non-Muslims, but are asking them to respect us."

At least they're not forcing non-Muslims to comply, but I'm sure that will eventually change. And besides, where would non-Muslims buy clothing that's banned? Since those who are caught selling jeans and mini-skirts will lose their shop licenses, I'm sure they won't risk losing their livelihood.

Although there is no set punishment for those who willfully violate the new law, there will be consequences.

It does not set out a specific punishment for violators, but says "moral sanctions" will be imposed by local leaders.

Rights groups say the regulation violates international treaties and the Indonesian constitution.

Indonesia has been inching its way to ultra conservatism over the years with Aceh as its epicenter. And Aceh is being very clever in its approach. It slowly introduces new laws, so that it doesn't overwhelm the population. Banning too many things at once could cause a backlash. In this way, although the people might not like something, they eventually get used to it, without a fight. In 2009, the local parliament instituted death by stoning for adultery.

And although Shariah was rarely enforced in the past, that seems to be changing, much to the dismay of many Indonesians.

... bans on drinking alcohol, gambling and kissing in public, among other activities, have been enforced by some more conservative local governments in recent years.

Opinion polls show that a majority of Indonesians oppose the restrictions on dress and behavior, which are being pushed by hard-liners in the secular democracy.

Unfortunately, religious fundamentalism is not just a problem in Indonesia. It's becoming a global phenomenon, which is not a good thing. If you want to conduct your life with restrictions, be my guest but don't force it on others.