Students at the Islamic Boarding School snap a selfie after their last day of classes before heading home for the Ramadan break. Since they have to leave their phones in the dorm, they borrow their teachers’ phones to capture the moment.
Students at the Islamic Boarding School snap a selfie after their last day of classes before heading home for the Ramadan break. Since they have to leave their phones in the dorm, they borrow their teachers’ phones to capture the moment.
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a symbol of religion and culture of the Achenes people.
Nisrina Salsabila is a fashion influencer from Banda Aceh. She is studying Counseling at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University. Like many in her generation, she loves her hometown and appreciates the security of living in a safe environment, as well as the strong sense of community around her. Despite her attachment to her hometown, she is considering exploring more opportunities for her business after university and is thinking of living in another city, such as Jakarta or Yogyakarta.
Nisrina Salsabila is a fashion influencer from Banda Aceh. She is studying Counseling at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University. Like many in her generation, she loves her hometown and appreciates the security of living in a safe environment, as well as the strong sense of community around her. Despite her attachment to her hometown, she is considering exploring more opportunities for her business after university and is thinking of living in another city, such as Jakarta or Yogyakarta.
Teuku Mail has a YouTube channel where he shares content in the Acehnese language to preserve and promote Acehnese culture. Thanks to his engaging content, he has become well-known in Aceh Province. He is now collaborating with the local government to create reels and videos for them. Teuku lives in a small room behind a mobile phone shop, where he edits his videos. He plans to move to a larger city to seek opportunities to grow his business.
Punk music is banned in the province of Aceh. A group of musicians gathered in a small social space to play guitar and organise concerts and events. Due to the lack of recreational spaces in Banda Aceh, people often create venues to learn and share arts like acting, painting, and music.
Punk music is banned in the province of Aceh. A group of musicians gathered in a small social space to play guitar and organise concerts and events. Due to the lack of recreational spaces in Banda Aceh, people often create venues to learn and share arts like acting, painting, and music.
Punk music is banned in the province of Aceh. A group of musicians gathered in a small social space to play guitar and organise concerts and events. Due to the lack of recreational spaces in Banda Aceh, people often create venues to learn and share arts like acting, painting, and music.
Aina is a 23-year-old woman from Banda Aceh. She completed her studies in counseling at university and is currently preparing for the public exam to become qualified to work in schools. To avoid being a burden on her family, she works as a waitress in a coffee shop near the university, which is known for the alcoholic bottles displayed behind the bar that are actually filled with syrup, as alcohol is forbidden. Unlike many in her generation who prefer freelance work, Aina values the security of a traditional job with a steady salary, which allows her to plan for the future.
Many young people enjoy spending the sunset at Ulee Lheue, the former seaport area that was damaged by the 2004 tsunami. Boys and girls typically sit at separate tables. Unless a girl is the wife or relative of one of the men, single women sitting at the table with other men may be viewed unfavourably by the Achenes community.
Two women are sitting at the table, watching the sunset in Ulee Lheue.
University students participates in an art group assembly. As in the class, the students are seated separately, with males on one side and female on the other.
Yuli and Wahdini are two college students who started a chocolate drink stall together in June 2022. The idea originated when Wahdini wanted to fulfill her dream of seeing Coldplay perform in Singapore. Upon opening their stall, they managed to earn up to a million rupees a day. After Wahdini attended the concert, they continued to operate their business, working fewer hours to balance their studies and complete college. Now, their stall has become a popular meeting spot for many students who enjoy spending their free time chatting and sipping chocolate drinks.
In the evening, after the evening prayer, the main park of Banda Aceh comes alive. families and young Achenese people enjoy meals, and engage in various activities.
Friday midday prayer at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh.
Students spend their lunch break in the Blang Padang Park in Banda Aceh.
While Sharia imposes strict social rules on relationships between males and females, it is not uncommon to see young boys and girls playing basketball together in the park.
In breakdance class, when classes are mixed, women must follow the dress code required by Sharia law. If the class consists solely of women, the dress code is more relaxed.
Many students spend their nights playing video games at universities, taking advantage of the excellent internet connections provided by the various venues.
During prayer time, the coffee shop owner turns off the lights and suspends the sale of food and beverages. Customers who choose not to participate in prayer at the shop’s prayer area, or Mushalla, are still welcome to continue playing video games.
Customers at a beach club in Lampuuk watch a hip-hop music event with curiosity.
Break dancing is an artistic and sporting activity for both boys and girls. Girls must dress modestly, as required by law.
