Aceh

Aceh is a province of Indonesia located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Its capital is Banda Aceh. The province comprises coastal lowlands and the Barisan mountain range, with tropical rainforest and offshore islands such as Pulau Weh. It has long coastlines along the Andaman Sea and features a mix of urban centers and rural communities.

Historically, Aceh was the powerful Sultanate of Aceh, a major Islamic state from the 15th to 19th centuries, before becoming part of the Dutch East Indies and later Indonesia. After decades of conflict with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), a peace agreement was reached in 2005, and Aceh was granted special autonomy. The 2001 Law on the Special Autonomy of Aceh allowed broader implementation of Sharia-based regulations within the province, a framework that has shaped local governance and social policy.

Demographics and economy: The population is predominantly Acehnese, with other ethnic groups present. The main language is Acehnese, with Indonesian widely spoken; Islam is the dominant religion. Aceh’s economy relies on natural resources, including oil and natural gas, fisheries, and agriculture such as coffee and spices. The province also has tourism potential, with coastal areas, biodiversity, and cultural sites in Banda Aceh and the surrounding region. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami devastated the area and prompted substantial international aid and reconstruction efforts.

Culture: Aceh is known for its Islamic scholarly heritage and traditional arts, including music and dance such as the Acehnese Saman dance, crafts, and distinctive culinary traditions featuring spicy curries and seafood.