CWN.org - In the largest Muslim nation in the world, Sharia law is gaining ground.

According to reports from Compass Direct News Service, states in half of Indonesia's 32 provinces have laws based on Sharia.

They range from making women cover their heads in public to requiring schoolchildren to learn the Koran.

Religious rights groups say the laws discriminate against religious minorities.

However, a teacher in Aceh Province says students need more.

"Particularly in the education of the children because they have to memorize what is in the Koran and memorize prayers. And that's enough for them," she said.

"It seems they don't need to learn more about current events and general knowledge. So I think that's a hindrance for the new generation to help in the progress of Aceh," she added.

Islamic political parties have backed a national version of such laws.