An Australian man has been arrested in Indonesia's most conservative province, Aceh, accused of going on a naked rampage, hitting people around him, and breaking a bone of a local fisherman.
Aceh police arrested 23-year-old Noosa man Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones yesterday, alleging he had caused a commotion at the Lantik Moonbeach Resort on Simeulue Island off the west coast of Sumatra.
Aceh has been governed under a Sharia-based legal system since 2014, banning the consumption of alcohol, gambling and some forms of dating.
Local police alleged that shortly after midnight, Mr Risby-Jones chased and struck residents in the village.
He was also accused of attacking a fisherman, causing him to suffer an injury to the foot with 50 stitches and a broken bone.
Queenslander could face 'flogging' over alcohol consumption
Simeulue police chief detective Mayyuhdi said Mr Risby-Jones told police he was holidaying in Aceh because "he's been depressed".
"According to the people who were present at the scene, Bodhi went out of his room completely naked and yelling and causing a ruckus," he said.
"The people there tried to stop him, but Bodhi hit one of them instead."
The chief detective alleged Mr Risby-Jones punched the man and pushed a motorbike towards him that crushed his legs.
He said Mr Risby-Jones told authorities he was not naked, but was wearing underwear.
He faces either two-and-a-half years in prison if the injuries caused are minor or up to five years in prison if the victims' injuries are more serious.
Mayyuhdi also said Mr Risby-Jones would be prosecuted for drinking alcohol, which is illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims in Aceh.
He will have a choice to be prosecuted under Sharia law or provincial law in relation to drinking alcohol -- under Sharia, he would be flogged 40 times if found guilty.
Police said he would be detained for up to 20 days while they investigate the case.
Travellers advised to do their research
Crisis management consultant John McLeod has worked with high-profile Australians who land in strife in Indonesia.
He said the behaviour Mr Risby-Jones is alleged to have committed would be taken as an act of incredible disrespect.
"Aceh is a very conservative Islamic province," he said.
"This sort of behaviour is not accepted in Aceh.
"If what we're hearing is true, it's total disrespect for local customs and culture, and to their religious faith," he said.
Mr McLeod said the concept of "restorative justice" was highly valued in Indonesia.
"You pay compensation for the pain and suffering and damage that you've caused to the individuals and throw yourself at the mercy of the local governor, for forgiveness for your behaviour," he said.
"You want to be showing total and utter remorse.
"And you want to mean it because you've gone to their country, they've invited you and you've behaved in — if what we're hearing is true — a despicable fashion."
'Important to be sensible'
Professor Tim Lindsey is a leading expert on Indonesian law from the University of Melbourne.
He said Mr Risby-Jones was facing charges that could result in years in prison.
“If you go and commit criminal offences in another country, then you're going to get into trouble," Mr Lindsey said.
He said that Aceh was the most conservative province in Indonesia, and the only part of Indonesia where Sharia law or Islamic law was legally applied.
Mr Lindsey said Mr Risby-Jones could receive more charges under Sharia laws, as nakedness and consuming alcohol is an offence.
"If that was the case, then penalties could also extend to prison and fines, but could also include caning," he said.
He said it was important for Australian tourists to be sensible when in Indonesia.
"Aceh is a notoriously conservative society but it’s also a place with great surfing, so you're going to end up with conflicts there," Mr Lindsey said.
"It's a reminder to Australian tourists that Indonesian law is tougher, particularly on moral issues, than Australian law."
