NAME : Mutia Nafasha Putri

NPM : 2011040117

CLASS : 6G

COURSE : Cross Culture Understanding

LECTURER : Mrs. Sri Suci Suryawati, M.Pd

“CULTURE IN ACEH”

A. Introduction
Indonesia's Aceh province is headquartered in Banda Aceh. One of
the provinces in Indonesia that has been accorded the status of a special
region and special autonomy authority is Aceh. Aceh is the westernmost
province of Indonesia, and it is situated on the northernmost point of the
island of Sumatra. The population of this province is around 5,333,733
people, according to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics from 2021.
Aceh is bounded to the north by the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea,
to the west by the Indian Ocean, to the east by the Malacca Strait, and to the
southeast and south by North Sumatra.
B. Culture
Aceh's culture is rich and diverse, shaped by its history, religion, and
traditions. Its unique cultural elements have made it a popular destination
for tourists and scholars alike.

1. Arts
Aceh has a rich artistic heritage that includes traditional dance,
music, theater, and visual arts. These art forms are deeply intertwined
with Acehnese culture, religion, and history.
One of the most famous art forms in Aceh is traditional dance,
particularly the Saman dance. The Saman dance is a UNESCO
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is performed by a group
of young men who sit in a line and clap their hands, stamp their feet, and
sing. Other traditional dances in Aceh include the Rapa'i Geleng, Tari
Seudati, and Tari Ratoh Duek. Music is also an important art form in
Aceh. Traditional Acehnese music is characterized by the use of
traditional instruments such as the rebab, the gendang (drum), and the
serune kale (flute). Acehnese music is often accompanied by traditional
poetry, which is recited by the singer.
Theater is another important art form in Aceh. Traditional Acehnese
theater is known as "Ranup Lampuan" and tells stories from Acehnese
history and folklore. It is often accompanied by music and dance. Visual
arts in Aceh include woodcarving, weaving, and pottery. Acehnese
woodcarving is particularly famous and is used to create intricate
designs on traditional houses, furniture, and other objects. Acehnese
weaving is also known for its intricate designs and is used to create
clothing and other textiles. Acehnese pottery is characterized by its
earthy colors and simple designs.

2. Customary Tradition
 Aceh is a province in Indonesia that is known for its strong
adherence to Islamic law and its unique cultural traditions. These
traditions include customary practices that have been passed down from
generation to generation and are an important part of Acehnese identity.
One of the most important customary traditions in Aceh is the "adat"
system. The adat system is a set of customary laws and practices that
govern many aspects of Acehnese life, including marriage, inheritance,
and community relations. The adat system is based on the principle of
consensus and is enforced by a council of elders known as "ulama adat."
Another important customary tradition in Aceh is the "selawat." The
selawat is a communal prayer that is performed in Acehnese villages
every Thursday evening. The selawat is led by a respected member of
the community and is accompanied by traditional Acehnese music. The
"meunasah" is another important customary tradition in Aceh. The
meunasah is a community center where Acehnese people gather to learn
about Islam, perform religious rituals, and engage in cultural activities
such as traditional dance and music.
Acehnese traditional weddings are also an important part of
customary tradition. The wedding ceremony is usually held in the bride's
home and is accompanied by traditional music and dance. The wedding
is also preceded by a series of traditional rituals, including the
"berdebar-debar" (anxiety) ritual, where the bride and groom are
separated for a period of time before the wedding.

3. Traditional Houses, Clothing, and Weapons

Acehnese traditional houses are called "rumoh Aceh" and are
characterized by their unique architectural style. They are usually made
of wood and are built on stilts, with steep roofs and intricate carvings.
The design of the rumoh Aceh is influenced by Islamic and Malay
architecture, and is adapted to suit the tropical climate of the region. The
houses are often used for communal activities and celebrations, and are
an important part of Acehnese cultural identity.
 Acehnese traditional clothing is known as "baju Aceh" and is
characterized by its loose-fitting design and intricate embroidery. The
baju Aceh is worn by both men and women and is usually made of silk
or cotton. The clothing is often brightly colored and includes a headscarf
for women. The baju Aceh is worn for special occasions such as
weddings and religious festivals, and is an important symbol of
Acehnese cultural identity.
Acehnese traditional weapons include swords, spears, and daggers,
which were used in warfare and for personal defense. The weapons are
often adorned with intricate carvings and designs, and were traditionally
made by skilled craftsmen. The most famous Acehnese weapon is the
"rencong," a small dagger with a curved blade that was used by
Acehnese warriors in battle. The rencong is still used today as a
ceremonial weapon and is an important symbol of Acehnese martial
tradition.

4. Acehnese Cuisine
Acehnese cuisine is known for its rich and spicy flavors, influenced
by its history as a major trading hub in Southeast Asia. Some popular
Acehnese dishes include:
• Mie Aceh - a spicy noodle soup made with a mix of meat and
seafood, flavored with various spices including chili, turmeric, and
coriander.
• Rendang - a slow-cooked beef dish that is flavored with a mix of
herbs and spices, including chili, lemongrass, and coconut milk. It is
usually served with rice and is a popular dish throughout Indonesia.
• Kuah Pliek U - a fish soup that is flavored with a mix of spices
including chili, turmeric, and tamarind. It is usually served with rice
and is a popular breakfast dish in Aceh.
• Sate Matang - grilled meat skewers that are marinated in a spicy
sauce made with chili, lemongrass, and tamarind. It is usually served
with peanut sauce and rice cakes.
 • Timphan - a steamed rice dish that is flavored with coconut milk
and wrapped in banana leaves. It is usually served with various side
dishes such as curries and sambal.
• Acehnese coffee - Aceh is known for its high-quality coffee, which
is grown in the highlands of the province. It is usually served strong
and black, with a hint of sweetness.

5. Crafts
Aceh is known for its rich artistic traditions and has a long history
of producing high-quality crafts. Some of the most famous Acehnese
crafts include:
• Songket - a traditional hand-woven fabric that is often used to make
clothing and home furnishings. Songket is known for its intricate
designs and is made using a special weaving technique that involves
adding gold or silver threads to the fabric.
• Woodcarving - Acehnese woodcarvers are renowned for their skill
and artistry, producing intricate carvings of animals, mythical
creatures, and everyday objects. The carvings are often used to
decorate houses and public buildings, and are also sold as souvenirs.
• Pottery - Acehnese potters are known for their unique pottery
techniques, using a combination of hand-building and wheel-
throwing to create traditional vessels and decorative objects. The
pottery is often decorated with intricate patterns and motifs,
reflecting the province's Islamic and Malay heritage.
• Metalwork - Acehnese metalworkers produce a wide range of
objects, from traditional weapons to decorative objects such as
bowls and vases. The metalwork is often adorned with intricate
designs and patterns, reflecting the province's cultural heritage.
• Batik - Acehnese batik is a type of hand-dyed fabric that is
decorated with intricate designs using wax-resist techniques. The
batik is often used to make clothing and home furnishings, and is
known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns.