For what offense were two men sentenced to public caning in an Indonesian Sharia court?

The chosen answer pertains to an incident where two men were sentenced to public caning for engaging in behavior considered inappropriate under Sharia law, specifically for kissing and hugging in public. In various regions of Indonesia, particularly Aceh province, public displays of affection are not only frowned upon but also can lead to legal repercussions under local interpretations of Islamic law. This punishment exemplifies the strict social norms and legal consequences imposed by religious courts in areas governed by Sharia law, reflecting the cultural values and expectations regarding modesty and public behavior.

Regarding the other choices, theft and drinking alcohol are indeed offenses under Sharia law, and can lead to severe penalties, including caning in some jurisdictions. Disrespecting authority is a general concept that might not have specific legal repercussions in the same manner as the public display of affection addressed in this question. However, in the context presented, the offense specifically cited here—kissing and hugging—highlights the particular sensitivities around public conduct in a Sharia-compliant society.