Indonesian Couple Caned For TikTok Kiss Under Sharia Law

A 22-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were publicly caned 21 times each in Indonesia’s Aceh province on July 2, 2026, after being convicted by a Sharia court. The couple violated the province’s interpretation of Islamic law by kissing during a TikTok livestream, an act deemed illicit for unmarried individuals. At least 100 spectators witnessed the caning, which was administered by individuals in robes and hoods on a stage in Banda Aceh's Bustanussalatin City Park. This punishment reflects the strict enforcement of Sharia law in Aceh, which has its own legal system distinct from the rest of Indonesia. The province has previously implemented public caning for various offenses, including gambling, consuming alcohol, and extramarital relations. The sentencing highlights the ongoing tension between traditional Islamic legal practices and modern social media expression within the region. The court's decision underscores the legal framework in Aceh that criminalizes public displays of affection for unmarried couples, leading to severe penalties.