The arrest followed after bystanders saw them enter the toilet together and reported it to patrolling officers. Police broke down the door and found the men in a close embrace. According to the Islamic court, their actions violated local Sharia law, which criminalises homosexuality and “acts leading to it”.

The hearing was held behind closed doors, but the verdict was delivered publicly on Monday. The original demand of 85 lashes was reduced by the judges to 80 because the students were polite, cooperative and had no prior convictions. Their four months in pre-trial detention will be deducted from the punishment, slightly reducing the total number of lashes.

Monday’s ruling marks the fifth time since the introduction of the Sharia law that Aceh has sentenced people to public caning for homosexuality.

Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that formally enforces Sharia. Since 2015, the law has also applied to non-Muslims, who make up around 1% of the population. Under the law, homosexual acts can be punished with up to one hundred lashes, along with adultery, gambling, drinking alcohol and wearing “tight clothing”.

Human rights organisations have strongly criticised the legislation, calling the corporal punishments cruel, degrading and in violation of international treaties signed by Indonesia. Although homosexuality is not a crime under national law, Aceh remains notorious for its harsh treatment of LGBTQ+ people.