The Association of Dayah Alumni Scholars of Aceh (ISAD) expressed high appreciation for the firm step taken by the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) of Aceh, which has not yet accepted dominoes as a sport in its achievement development program. This decision is seen as a form of caution by the regional government in aligning public policy with the specificity of Aceh as a region that implements Islamic Sharia law.
General Chairperson of ISAD, Tgk Mustafa Husen Woyla, stated that KONI Aceh's policy proves that sports development in the region is not solely oriented toward achieving athletic success. Furthermore, this strategic step also considers the social order, local wisdom, and the aspirations of the Islamic scholars (ulema), who are vital pillars of the Acehnese identity.
Mustafa added that KONI's decision aligns with a legal study previously conducted by ISAD. The institution had earlier held a scientific discussion involving academics and ulema to comprehensively review the status of the game of dominoes from the perspective of Islamic law and social welfare.
In line with this, the Secretary-General of the Central Executive Board of ISAD, Rifki Ismail, emphasized that this delay does not mean closing themselves off to progress in the world of sports. According to him, achieving athletic success and implementing religious values must go hand in hand without canceling each other out, to maintain the dignity of the region dubbed the "Veranda of Mecca".
Rifki also urged the public to respond to these differing views wisely through constructive scientific dialogue and academic studies. He hopes that KONI Aceh's policy will be respected by all parties as part of a collective effort to preserve the region's religious character.
