Public Services for Non-Muslims in Aceh: Non-Muslim Rights in The Application of Islamic Sharia Law

Abstract

The legalization of Islamic Sharia in 2001 is often seen as the starting point for intolerance practices in Aceh. The rights of non-Muslims as citizens of minority countries are always ignored. Purpose: This study aims to study the rights of the public services of Non-Muslims in Aceh after the enactment of Islamic sharia. The research method used is qualitative. Interviewed in-depth several related parties, such as non-Muslim religious leaders, public service personnel, and Acehnese indigenous leaders. This study shows different results from previous research that only looked at public services to Non-Muslims through technology media sourced on secondary data. Generally, the service to the public rights of non-Muslims does not experience problems, especially when viewed from three aspects: first, freedom in converting to religion; second, freedom in performing religious rituals; third, treatment before the law and access to health care and education. This research provides an insight into the multicultural life of Acehnese people comprehensively influenced by historical perspectives of the past. Acehnese have maintained their multicultural commitment since long ago until now as social capital in maintaining the harmony of diversity. In this way will be described in full the dynamics of multiculturalism in the life of religious people in Aceh.