Jakarta – The Home Ministry has yet to review problematic bylaws, including the controversial Aceh criminal code, or Qanun Jinayat, that violate rights and carry cruel punishments.

The National Commission for Women Against Violence (Komnas Perempuan) had previously demanded the ministry annul the Qanun Jinayat and called on the Aceh provincial government and legislative council to delay the enforcement of the bylaw, which was passed at the end of September.

"Such matters regarding Aceh are complex," Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said Thursday. "Next week, we probably will meet the Aceh governor [first]." Tjahjo later said that his office was currently collecting and identifying all problematic bylaws.

"All bylaws are currently being inventoried; we aren't hasty," he said, adding that some of the bylaws violated licensing regulations or citizens' rights. "If there are provisions that are unfit, we will ask for a change."

The latest 2014 government regulation in lieu of law on regional administration gives the Home Ministry the authority to scrap any bylaws perceived to be in violation of existing laws.

The law also says bylaws should not violate public interests and should not be discriminatory against race, religion, belief or gender. It also requires all local administrations forward all existing and drafted bylaws to the ministry, otherwise they could be considered illegal.

The law also gives the ministry the authority to prevent local governments from passing bylaws it judges problematic.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/07/ministry-has-yet-review-qanun-jinayat.html