Aceh – Indonesia, The Banda Aceh City Government is strengthening the supervision of Islamic Sharia implementation in tourist destinations by establishing Civil Service Police and Wilayatul Hisbah (Satpol PP-WH) Monitoring Posts at two strategic locations, namely the Titik Nol Kutaraja area in Gampong Pande and Ulee Lheue.

The inauguration of these posts was conducted directly, accompanied by Deputy Mayor of Banda Aceh Afdhal Khalilullah and attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) as well as several heads of regional government agencies (SKPK).

The presence of these two posts forms part of the Banda Aceh City Government’s steps to ensure that tourist areas remain comfortable, orderly, and aligned with Islamic Sharia values, which constitute the city’s identity.

Illiza emphasized that the presence of the monitoring posts is not intended to instill fear among the public. On the contrary, the officers’ presence is expected to be part of efforts to guard, maintain, and safeguard the community through a measured supervisory approach.

“We built these two posts not to intimidate the public, but to protect, nurture, and safeguard them,” Illiza stated.

According to her, developing the city of Banda Aceh involves more than just physical development, such as buildings, parks, or economic centers. Development must also touch upon the people, their character, and the values that serve as the foundation of community life.

“We envision a modern and advanced Banda Aceh that remains steadfast in upholding its Islamic identity, customs, and culture,” she said.

Therefore, Illiza noted that the launch of the Islamic Sharia Monitoring Posts at Titik Nol Kutaraja and the Ulee Lheue area reflects the government’s commitment to honoring that mandate, especially in public spaces that serve as key gathering spots for residents and visitors.

She also stressed that enforcing Islamic Sharia should not be understood merely as imposing sanctions. Monitoring must serve as part of preventive efforts, education, guidance, and protection for the community.

“Islamic Sharia exists not simply to issue penalties or pass judgment, but to protect the moral and physical well-being of our citizens,” Illiza added.

Operationally, these posts will serve as 24-hour monitoring hubs for Satpol PP-WH officers. Officials will not only conduct surveillance but will also provide warnings and guidance to the public if activities indicating violations of Sharia regulations are found.

Head of the Banda Aceh Satpol PP-WH, M Rizal, expressed hope that the posts would enhance the effectiveness of monitoring across tourist destinations.

“The purpose of these posts is to oversee the surrounding tourist areas to prevent any potential violations of Islamic Sharia by the public,” Rizal explained.

Going beyond these two sites, supervisory measures will also be expanded to several other areas. The Banda Aceh City Government, along with the City Legislative Council (DPRK), has approved plans to construct three additional monitoring posts, including in the Alue Naga area and several other strategic locations.

Moving forward, the operations at these posts are open to joint collaboration with various institutions, including the military (TNI) and police (Polri), enabling integrated monitoring across tourist destinations.

Beyond Sharia enforcement and public order, Illiza also urged comprehensive urban management around the Titik Nol Kutaraja area, including environmental sanitation. She requested the relevant local agencies to prepare waste management education programs and promote the establishment of waste banks around the area.

This measure aligns with ongoing efforts by the Banda Aceh City Government, which previously upgraded the Ulee Lheue area through improved street lighting and supporting infrastructure to create safer, more orderly, and comfortable tourist destinations.

For the Banda Aceh City Government, Sharia oversight and the development of tourist areas can proceed hand in hand.

Public spaces must remain accessible for people to enjoy the city’s beauty, while simultaneously being maintained so that activities conducted within them abide by regulations, maintain order, and respect prevailing local values.

With the opening of these monitoring posts, the Banda Aceh City Government hopes that Titik Nol Kutaraja and Ulee Lheue will not only serve as attractive destinations to visit but also reflect Banda Aceh’s identity as a modern, orderly, cultured, and Sharia-compliant city. []