local
Couple caned for kissing on TikTok in Indonesia's conservative Aceh province
By Reza Saifullah And Edna Tarigan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
A young couple in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province were publicly caned on Thursday after an Islamic Shariah court convicted them of violating Islamic law by kissing during a TikTok livestream.Aceh’s Sharia court ordered the two people to be whipped with a rattan cane 21 times each for kissi...
Key takeaway 27 livestream in which they kissed in a car in Banda Aceh went viral and prompted reports to local Sharia authorities.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The public caning of a young couple in Indonesia's Aceh province for kissing on TikTok may seem like a distant and foreign issue to residents of Magnolia , Texas. However, it raises questions about the role of social media in different cultural contexts and the varying standards of morality and free expression. In Magnolia, where community events and public gatherings are common, the idea of being punished for a public display of affection is unthinkable. The incident highlights the diversity of laws and customs that exist globally and the importance of understanding these differences in an increasingly connected world. As Magnolia continues to grow and become more diverse, it is essential for residents to be aware of the different cultural norms and values that exist within their own community, promoting tolerance and respect for individual differences. This awareness can help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A young couple in Indonesia’s conservative Aceh province were publicly caned on Thursday after an Islamic Shariah court convicted them of violating Islamic law by kissing during a TikTok livestream.Aceh’s Sharia court ordered the two people to be whipped with a rattan cane 21 times each for kissi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Reza Saifullah And Edna Tarigan, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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