Hardline Indonesian Muslims call for church closures in Aceh as mobs spread fear among Christians

Hardline Muslims in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province have demanded the local government close 10 Christian churches, just days after a mob burnt down a church, leaving one person dead and several injured.

Tensions are high amongst the ethnically and religiously diverse population of Aceh Singkil district, raising the risk of further religious violence in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation.

The vast majority of Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, but Aceh is the only province that adheres to Islamic Sharia law, putting it at odds with the rest of the country.

"Ten churches have been identified as not having proper permits and should be closed," said Hambali Sinaga, head of the local chapter of the hardline group Islamic Defenders Front, adding that the government had until October 19 to take action.

"We hope there will be no violence again tomorrow," he said.