Growing Up in Banda Aceh: How Gen Z Adapts to Sharia Law
Banda Aceh, the capital of Indonesia’s only province governed by Sharia law, has been under Islamic legal rule for 20 years. An Islamic penal code was introduced as part of Aceh’s new autonomous status, implemented in 2005 as a concession granted after the devastating conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government. After a peace agreement was signed by Jakarta and GAM leaders in Helsinki, Finland, in 2005, GAM accepted the implementation of Sharia law. The law was introduced to reinforce Aceh’s Islamic identity and maintain social order, but for
Gen Z—who have never known life without it—it is simply a part of their reality. Despite the strict legal framework, young people in Banda Aceh appear to navigate their lives with a sense of normalcy. They follow the rules but are not necessarily preoccupied with them. Many have found ways to express themselves, pursue careers, and stay connected with the world beyond Aceh, even as they face limitations imposed by religious law. Daily life in Banda Aceh is shaped by these laws. In schools, boys and girls are not mixed inside classrooms; girls sit on one side, and boys on the other. Social life is also regulated—girls must return home by 10 PM, and dating comes with challenges due to strict moral policing. Public cinemas are banned, meaning young people have to rely on online streaming
to watch movies. Even music is restricted; punk rock, for example, is officially forbidden, yet there are still small underground communities of punks who express their identity in secret. One example is Nisrina Salsabila, a local influencer who wears the niqab and creates content about fashion. Through her social media, she discusses modest fashion, but when she attempted to organize a fashion show tailored for Muslim women, the community blocked the project. The event was seen as problematic because it would place women in the spotlight, an act perceived as inappropriate under local customs. Despite these restrictions, Nisrina remains determined to build a career in fashion. She plans to move to a city like Jakarta or Yogyakarta, where she believes she will find more
opportunities and fewer constraints on her ambitions. Teuku Mail, another influencer from Aceh, focuses on preserving local traditions. He creates content in the Acehnese
language, discussing cultural heritage and history. While he is passionate about his roots, he also sees challenges in Banda Aceh, particularly in terms of career growth and digital infrastructure. Like Nisrina, he is considering moving elsewhere, where better job prospects and internet connectivity could support his work. Not all young people in Banda Aceh want to leave. Some view the city as the best place to live, appreciating its slower pace and strong sense of community. However, even among those who wish to stay, many consider working elsewhere to gain experience and financial stability before returning home.