SHARIA LAW AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO ROHINGYA REFUGEES IN ACEH

Abstract

In Aceh, the implementation of Sharia law plays a significant role not only in social and religious regulation but also in responses to humanitarian issues, such as the case of Rohingya refugees. This study aims to discuss how Sharia law influences the perceptions and actions of the Acehnese community towards Rohingya refugees. The study employs a literature review as the primary approach to gather and analyze existing data. Data were collected through systematic searches in prominent academic databases, online archives, and digital libraries. The search focused on reputable journals, books, government and NGO reports, as well as relevant news articles pertaining to this area of study. The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of Sharia law in Aceh significantly influences the community's response to the arrival of Rohingya refugees. Sharia law in Aceh functions not only as a legal framework but also as a social ethos that shapes humanitarian actions towards the refugees. Sharia law has reinforced humanitarian and solidarity values within the community, as evidenced by the warm reception given to the refugees. However, the study also finds that economic and political factors can modify and even diminish these positive responses over time. The study concludes that in the context of Rohingya refugees, while Sharia law plays a role in shaping positive social norms and behaviors among the Acehnese community, it sometimes fails to adapt or is insufficiently responsive to changing economic and political pressures. These pressures can alter community perceptions and responses to refugees in the long term. Therefore, the study concludes that the complex dynamics between Sharia law and socio-economic conditions in the context of refugees are critical aspects that policymakers and humanitarian practitioners need to address.