Sukmawati, Makassar – The South Sulawesi Moslem Women for Islamic Shariah Enactment Corps has asked that women be involved in formulating Islamic Shariah local ordinances (Perda).

"We want good quality regulations that are free from discrimination against women," said Andi Mariattang, Head of the South Sulawesi Muslim Women Corps.

The demand is based on the reality that up until now, women have never been given the opportunity to be involved in making regulations, including Islamic Shariah ordinances.

The Bulukamba Regional House of Representatives member said she considered that Islamic Shariah regulations should be in line with local socio-cultural conditions.

"What is being carried out in Aceh should not necessarily be applied in South Sulawesi," said Mariattang to Tempo in between a Muslim womens' dialogue event yesterday.

As an example, she said that the restriction for Aceh women to go outside at night should not be applied here. "Is it true that the social condition of this area does not allow women to go outside at night?" she said.

Marriatang added that the Muslim Women Corps in the Fourth South Sulawesi Islamic Congress this coming Saturday will propose regional ordinances on women's roles in preventing corruption, drug abuse and social diseases.

For example, housewives should provide moral education to their children and remind their husbands to not steal or get involved in corruption.

During the dialogue, the Head of the Nahdatul Ulama Muslim Women Nurul Fuadi said that women should not be worried about the Islamic Shariah enactment.

The reason is that women are much respected in Islam. "The Islamic Shariah regulations will free us from social vices," she said.

Several regencies in the province have applied Islamic Shariah regional ordinances in the last few years. Among them are Bulukamba, Wajo, Pangkajene Kepulauan and Gowa. The regulations include appealing for the use of Muslim clothing, the ban on drinking alcoholic beverages, and the ban on engaging in illicit sex and gambling.