The National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) of Aceh Province has officially stated that it cannot yet accept dominoes as a member sport at the regional level. This decision was made as a form of compliance with the principle of lex specialis or Islamic Sharia regulations applicable in the "Veranda of Mecca" (Bumi Serambi Mekkah).
The First Vice Chairman for Organization of KONI Aceh, Teuku Rayuan Sukma, explained that although the sport of dominoes was approved during the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the central KONI, his side chose to take a different path. This policy is a response to the aspirations of Islamic scholars (ulema) and community figures who are concerned about the stigma of dominoes, which is still closely associated with gambling practices.
Teuku Rayuan Sukma emphasized that his party does not forbid individuals from playing dominoes personally, but prohibits the activity from being formalized within an official management body in Aceh. According to him, the image of dominoes, which is deemed not in line with Sharia norms, is the main obstacle to the formation of the Provincial Board (Pengprov) for dominoes in Aceh.
Nevertheless, KONI Aceh is not closing the door permanently. They are providing an option for the domino sports board to prove its existence by meeting two absolute conditions. First, they must be able to establish management at the regency/city level in at least 50 percent plus one of all regions in Aceh. Second, they are required to organize a regional championship (Kejurda) independently and officially.
As long as these administrative requirements are not met and the socio-cultural challenges regarding public perception are not resolved, the status of dominoes in Aceh will remain suspended. KONI Aceh is committed to maintaining the integrity of local values in determining which sports branches are sheltered under their organization.
