Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah declined to comment when asked about the bylaw that bans women from straddling motorbikes in Lhokseumawe.

Zaini did say that he had not been in contact with the Lhokseumawe administration to discuss the controversial ordinance. "I have not spoken with them, so I could not comment on this," Zaini said as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Zaini pledged that he would find a solution to the problem. "We need to get this in order because it is very sensitive," he said.

The administration of Lhokseumawe, Aceh, has issued a bylaw banning women from straddling motorcycles, arguing that the practice is "improper" in a province governed by Islamic law.

Lhokseumawe Mayor Suaidi Yahya said that women should sit sideways on motorcycles, with their legs dangling off to one side.