January 2005

World View

Tsunamis Report
People Group Focus: Acehnese of Indonesia

The Indian Ocean tsunamis of December 26, 2004, has exposed the world to heart-wrenching pictures and stories of people who are destitute, wounded and fearful searching for loved ones and belongings. One of the hardest hit areas is the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra , home to the Acehnese [Ah -chen-eez] people. Not only has Aceh [Ah -cheh] been in the news for losing more than 150,000 people in the tsunamis, but also because of a ceasefire between the Indonesian military and the Aceh rebels, offered by the rebels so that relief and aid workers could enter the area and begin work.

The rebels—called the Free Aceh Movement—have been fighting for independence from the Indonesian government since 1976.

This is nothing new to the Acehese. They have fought fervently for their independence and for their Islamic faith. The Acehnese are proud of their reputation as staunch Muslims and view themselves as defenders of the Islamic faith.

Story from the Field: The broken heart of Aceh
Banda Aceh is commonly known as “the doorway to Mecca.” This area has historically been a stopping point for Muslims journeying by ship to Mecca.

The Acehnese are considered to be among the most devout Muslims in the area. It is hard to separate their religion and culture, and they are very persistent on keeping three of the five pillars of Islam—confession, prayer, fasting, tithing, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

There are few, if any, known Christians among the Acehnese. The provincial government of Banda Aceh is threatening to ban aid workers from the area because of concern for the safety of the workers in light of renewed rebel activity and because of the fear of workers trying to "Christianize" local residents.