Travel in Aceh
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Informations on Aceh: history, politics, economy, culture, Did you mean: Aceh
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Aceh (pronounced "ah-chey", full name: Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam; various spellings include Acheh, Atjeh and Achin) is a province and special territory (daerah istimewa, or "special autonomy") of Indonesia, located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra, the largest island in the Indonesian archipelago. Population 4.2 million.
Understand
For many years, travel in this part of Indonesia has been restricted by the Government due to separatist rebel activities. More recently, on 26 December 2004, the coastal portions of the area were devastated by a huge earthquake tsunami, which is estimated to have killed up to 90% of the population in the affected area and completely devastated coastal infrastructure (including the capital city of Banda_Aceh). After the tsunami, a communal housing development was built, which has led to many concerns over privacy and personal hygiene. Road conditions are still quite poor heading from Medan to Banda Aceh, in addition to any other concerns over safety. Flying directly into Banda Aceh from Medan is the preferred mode of transportation (though this requires special permission; see below.).
Currently, the Indonesian Government is working with local militia to disarm weapons, with mixed success over concerns on both sides. A vote of independence will be held in Banda Aceh on September 15, 2005 and much suspicion currently surrounds "westerners" travelling throughout Aceh and around Banda Aceh in particular. Several individuals have been arrested as spies. Special visas from the Indonesian government are required of most foreign visitors entering Aceh province, and sometimes, police escorts are in effect.
Unless you are an accredited aid worker, travel in this area is not advised at present (January 2005), and is done at your own risk.
The largest portion of Leuser National Park is in Aceh Province, and provides habitat for many endangered species, including the Sumatran Tiger and forest Rhinoceros. Treks in this park were very popular before the current fighting.
Cities
- Banda_Aceh - capital city of the region