PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PUNISHMENT FOR KHALWAT PERPETRATORS IN ACEH

Abstract

This study examines the public’s perception of khalwat and the effectiveness of punishment against perpetrators’ violation of khalwat in Aceh. This study is a normative-empirical study with qualitative data. Data sources are the Constitution of 1945, Law No. 1 of 1946 concerning the Criminal Code, Law No. 8 of 1981 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code, and Qanun Aceh No. 6 of 2014 concerning the Jinayat Law. Field data are sourced from the community, leaders, religious leaders, academics, the Syar’iyah Court, and khalwat perpetrators. The results showed that generally, the community supports the establishment of the rule of jinayat khalwat for the sake of benefit. The establishment of Qanun Jinayat reflects the Islamic life of the Acehnese people so that the protection of self-respect and their families is inseparable. The application of penalties for khalwat violations has not been effective in all regions of Aceh province. However, some areas implement the punishment effectively, proven by the decrease in cases of khalwat violations. However, the application of punishment to khalwat perpetrators did not positively affect other parts of the region—the number of jinayat khalwat that occurred increased. Therefore, punishment for khalwat perpetrators must be able to change the perpetrator’s behavior and become a lesson for the general public. Moreover, the government is advised to be more aggressive in socializing this Qanun. This research provides information and input for the government, law enforcement, and the community in Aceh.