Although Sharia law requires that Muslim women wear headscarves and prohibit alcoholic beverages, international tourist arrivals to the island of Weh, Aceh continues to rise. The key to success is because the hotel owners and local governments are equally accommodating foreign visitors and respect the local culture.
A fisherman release their catch in Sabang, Aceh province . Sabang arrival of foreign tourists to continue to increase.
Brian PaddeN
When American tourists, Mollie Hightower and her husband Brian Hubler come to Pulau Weh for diving and snorkeling, he was a bit worried about wearing a bikini in an area where Muslim women are required to wear a headscarf and long dress, every time.
He said, "Before I put on a bathing suit, I ask and make sure that the pacing is allowed on the beach with a bikini and they say this is okay in the resort (hotel)."
Hubler said it was strange to see women dressed in headscarves and covering the entire body on the beach with a tropical climate like this.
"The most striking-and this may be beyond the reach of Sharia law, but in Islamic countries in general, the number of women's clothing should be worn in very hot weather and humid it feels amazing," said Hubler.
Tourism in Sabang is also known as Pulau Weh continued to grow since the peace agreement signed by the Indonesian government and local rebels, which ended the 30-year conflict in Aceh Province.
The island is accessible only by ferry. But the location is remote and the implementation of Sharia law in Aceh did not discourage tourist arrivals.
One of the leaders of the tourist industry is the owner of the hotel Sabang Freddie Rousseau. The former UN staff first came to Aceh as part of humanitarian efforts following the tsunami of 2004.
In the past year, his hotel, Relax Three wells, operating with 80 percent occupancy rate and a host of other new hotels being built.
Rousseau said the hotel-the hotel has been helping the local economy through the purchase of food and materials and create jobs. Local officials voiced strong support for the development of tourism as an important part of the island. It includes the release of Western visitors residing in hotels of Islamic regulations such as prohibition of alcohol.
Rousseau says, "Although, according to Sharia law banned alcohol, the fact that I only sell alcoholic beverages to international visitors or non-Muslims to make the public also appreciate that aspect."
The natural beauty of the island of Sabang Beach Gapang (photo: dock).
Although foreigners are not tied to the dress code was in Aceh in general, wearing a skimpy bathing suits and other revealing attire is not welcome in Aceh, the only province in Indonesia to impose Sharia law.
Rousseau said the tourism exemption rules do not apply to other law. For example, he gave assurance to the government that he would not allow unmarried couples to sleep together.
Sabang mayor, Munawar Liza Zainal said there was no conflict between tourism and culture of Islam throughout the local tourists who appreciate meaningful, appropriate dress when visiting the village and not a noisy party.
He said the drinking and partying that can make people angry, it is not necessary. But if only for the usual drink, he said, Muslims should not prohibit non-Muslims do.
Zainal also said the local Muslim population of well educated and have a strong moral to resist temptations.
Rousseau said that Sabang to maintain a quiet, safe and clean as an alternative to Bali a very solid as Indonesia's main tourist attractions, is also the interests of the tourist industry.
"We do not want to Sabang to Bali to-2. We want to keep it clean this place where people can come and stay without interruption. Without congestion without pollution, "said Rousseau.
Rousseau said that international tourism can continue to grow in Sabang despite Sharia law as long as it remains in the region, private and local culture remain intact.
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