The Ulema Consultative Assembly (MPU) of Langsa City is paying serious attention to the implementation of the Car Free Day (CFD) in the local area. The Islamic scholars' body requested that the weekly event be immediately evaluated so that dress codes, sports activities, and musical entertainment provided are adjusted to the Islamic Sharia values applicable in Aceh.
The Chairman of MPU Langsa City, Tgk. Salahuddin Muhammad, emphasized that in principle, the CFD program has a positive impact on public health and supports the economic growth of micro-enterprises. Nonetheless, he highlighted several reports and video recordings circulating regarding activities deemed less aligned with Islamic norms during the event.
One of the crucial points highlighted is the conduct of joint gymnastics sessions attended by men and women mixed together in open spaces. The scholar, familiarly called Abati Salahuddin, proposed that mass sports activities be separated to maintain Sharia boundaries. He suggested shifting fitness activities for women to more enclosed locations, such as stadiums, while open areas can still be used for other general activities.
Regarding the musical entertainment aspect, the MPU requested the city government to tighten supervision by referring to the fatwas issued by the Aceh MPU. Although there is no specific fatwa regulating CFD yet, existing regulations concerning dress codes and performing arts are considered comprehensive enough to serve as official guidelines for both the local government and the public.
The MPU of Langsa City expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Langsa City Government in formulating the technical implementation of a Sharia-compliant CFD. Echoing this, Acehnese religious mentor Tgk Syech Muhajir Usman also emphasized that every public activity in Aceh must continue to respect the region's special status of implementing Islamic Sharia to avoid social polemics.
