Background on Aceh

First you might be wondering WHERE Indonesia is. North (East) of Australia and South (West) of Thailand, Indonesia is a gorgeous set of islands in South East Asia.

The province of Aceh is located on the North Western island of Indonesia called Sumatra.

Known as a bio-diverse region, Sumatra is home to the Orangutan. Many animals in the area suffer loss and fragmentation of their habitats, and some face near extinction, including the Sumatran Orangutan.

As well, Aceh made the news for its weather. In 2004, a great tsunami impacted thousands of people in the region, wiping out homes and destabilizing power structures in the area. Within the past year, large earthquakes (as high as an 8.6) shook the ocean near Aceh, though no tsunami occurred.

So? Why go? 
Did you know that Indonesia is one of the most densely populated countries in the world? Did you know that most people living in Indonesia identify as Muslim? And did you know that in the unique, semi-autonomous region of Aceh that over 97% of the persons living there ascribe to the Islamic faith? (I'll wager you know that at least half of these persons are women.)


Looking at the unique political circumstances (semi-autonomous region after many years of struggle with the Indonesian government), and the influence of various cultures (including, but not limited to Islam) I intend to learn more about the lives of women in Aceh.

In my research, I tend to focus on aspects that empower women in Acehnese Islam. I examine class, age, education, and ethnic background.


In other words, I want to learn more about the lives of women in this unique and atypical social, political, and religious atmosphere.