Lhokseumawe

Lhokseumawe is a city in Aceh province, Indonesia. It is located on the northern coast of Sumatra along the Strait of Malacca, where several rivers meet the sea. As a separate municipal entity within Aceh, it functions as an urban center with its own local government.

Historically, the city developed around the oil and gas industry. The Arun gas field and the associated liquefied natural gas plant, established in the 1970s, were major drivers of its growth and industrial character. The energy sector continues to shape the local economy, alongside port facilities and related services.

Today the economy is anchored in energy-related activities, port and logistics operations, fishing, and light manufacturing. The coastal location supports regional trade and maritime services, while the Arun area remains a notable reference point for the region’s energy history. The presence of educational and research institutions supports local development.

Lhokseumawe and its surrounding area were affected by the long-running Aceh conflict and, more broadly, by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Reconstruction and development efforts in the ensuing years helped revitalize the city’s infrastructure and economy. The population is predominantly Acehnese, with Islam as the dominant faith, and the city serves as a cultural and educational hub within the province. The city is also home to Universitas Malikussaleh, a major public university that serves students from across Aceh and beyond.