For some, Aceh is quite frightening, especially for outsiders who have never been there. This may be due to the region’s frequent armed conflicts and the media’s role in shaping public opinion to make the news more interesting to read with some negative framing, including those related to the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Islamic law, and the requirement to wear the hijab.

This fear is still in the minds of many people when they imagine Aceh or when they want to visit Aceh for the first time for a vacation or a business trip.

Frequently asked questions by outsiders

There are many questions that people ask Acehnese people when they find out that you come from Aceh Province.

• Did you bring any marijuana?
• What’s up with Aceh? They say there aren’t any cinemas there, right?
• If you go to Aceh, you have to wear closed clothes, right?
• Do you have to wear a hijab?

Or a statement like this,

• What are you doing in Aceh? You’ll get whipped, you know?
• Don’t go to Aceh, it’s an armed conflict area!
• It’s dangerous, what are you doing in Aceh, what will happen later?
• There are many negative stereotypes about Aceh that I have heard firsthand. Is it true?

So, for those of you who want to vacation in Aceh, especially Banda Aceh and Sabang, don’t be intimidated by the media reports. You can see for yourself once you’ve been to Banda Aceh.

Is Aceh scary?

Yes, there have been several armed conflicts in Aceh, but it’s important to understand that they haven’t had much of an impact (or even none at all) on urban life in Aceh, particularly Banda Aceh. These conflicts typically only occur in isolated areas.

But that was back then, when I was still a kid. It’s been more than 20 years since there has been any terrorist or separatist activity.

Also Read:

Facts about Aceh You Need to Know!

Acehnese people aren’t as scary and violent as people might think. In fact, in Aceh, there are rarely large-scale demonstrations against A, B, or C, unlike in big cities where life is quite pluralistic, dynamic, and far more advanced, but where the negative side of certain individuals is also very significant. I think in other provinces there are more tolerant people, but there are also many who are intolerant.

I must admit that inter-ethnic conflict does exist. But that’s a thing of the past; Aceh is now much calmer and more harmonious.

In fact, I feel that actions involving ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations tend to be more frequent in other regions than in Aceh. You know what I mean, hehe.

For those of you planning to go to Sabang, don’t be afraid of media reports that say, “Aceh is like this, Aceh is like that…” If you’re in Sabang, you can dress freely, even wearing a bikini. *ehhh*

YES, SERIOUS!

But this only applies in coastal areas. Outside of these areas, you’re free to wear whatever you like, but you must remain modest. Unlike the capital of Aceh Province, Banda Aceh still adheres to Islamic law in accordance with established regional regulations.

Lampuuk Beach in Aceh Besar. Is the beach cool or not?

If you zoom in on the photo above, you’ll see that many of the women aren’t wearing hijabs, and they’re usually non-Muslim. There may be some Muslims, too, but most still wear hijab.

So, the bottom line is, should I wear the hijab or not? The answer is…

So, what about non-Muslims? Do you have to wear a hijab?
The answer is no, guys. Unless you’re going to the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, you’ll need to wear long clothing and a scarf (for women only; men must wear long pants).

But for those of you who are Muslim, it’s better to wear a hijab not only to respect local regulations but also to practice your religion, right? 🙂

For those of you spending your holiday in Banda Aceh, please wear more modest and covered clothing. Avoid hotpants or tank tops; knee-length shorts are still permitted.

Since I’ve never been caught in a raid, I don’t know if non-Muslims are also involved if you wear knee-length pants. However, from what I’ve heard, the raids only apply to Muslims, both men and women, wearing tight and short clothing.

Well, you know now, right? So, how is it? Come on #VisitAceh

Also Read:

Facts about Aceh You Need to Know!

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