No more fun for Aussie beach-goers and partyers

From Eric Dondero:

So much for being exempt from Sharia if you're a Western tourist in the Aceh Province of Indonesia. The first Province to institute Sharia, is now having to confront a potential loss of tourist revenue. Hotels, the mainstay of the local economy, are struggling to adapt.

From VOA:

Although Westerners do not have to abide by the dress code in general in Aceh, wearing skimpy swimming suits and other revealing clothing is frowned on in the province, the only part of Indonesia where Sharia is used.

Rousseau said the exemption for tourism does not apply to some other laws. For example, he reassured authorities he will not permit unmarried couples to sleep together.

Sabang Mayor Munawar Liza Zainal said there is no conflict between tourism and Islam, as long as the visitors respect the local culture. This means dressing appropriately when visiting the villages and not having loud parties.

Editor's comment - Of course, people vote with their feet. The hot Aussie tourist market will no doubt shift to alternative areas where they can drink and frolic as they please.