About Aceh - General

Read more: About Aceh

Aceh, officially the Province of Aceh (Indonesian: Provinsi Aceh), is the westernmost province of Indonesia. It is located on the northern end of Sumatra island, with Banda Aceh being its capital and largest city. 

Granted a special autonomous status, Aceh is a religiously conservative territory and the only Indonesian province practicing the Sharia law officially. There are ten indigenous ethnic groups in this region, the largest being the Acehnese people, accounting for approximately 80% to 90% of the region's population.

Administrative divisions/Regencies of Aceh Administratively, the province is subdivided into eighteen regencies (kabupaten) and five autonomous cities (kota). The capital and the largest city is Banda Aceh, located on the coast near the northern tip of Sumatra.

In total, Aceh has 23 cities and regencies in Aceh. A regency is a subdivision of a province. A district or kecamatan is a subdivision of a regency. Aceh has 289 districts in total. 

This information below shows when each city or regency was established by law, and its Human Development Index (HDI) as of 2021. HDI is a measure of how well people live in a place.

Aceh Besar Regency is one of the oldest regencies in Aceh. It was established in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Jantho, which is located about 22 km from Banda Aceh. The regency covers an area of 2,882.83 km2 and has a population of about 414,490 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0.735, which means that its people have a good quality of life.

Aceh Jaya Regency is a coastal regency that was created in 2002 by UU 4/2002. Its capital is Calang, which is the largest town on the west coast of Aceh. The regency has an area of 3,893.05 km2 and a population of about 96,028 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.698, which means that its people have some challenges in achieving their potential.

Aceh Singkil Regency is a regency that includes the Banyak Islands, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. The regency was formed in 1999 by UU 14/1999. Its capital is Singkil, which is located on the mainland near the border with North Sumatra. The regency has an area of 1,852.82 km2 and a population of about 130,787 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.692, which means that its people have some difficulties in accessing basic services.

Aceh Tamiang Regency is a regency that borders Malaysia and North Sumatra. It was established in 2002 by UU 4/2002. Its capital is Karang Baru, which is located on the east coast of Aceh. The regency has an area of 2,184.40 km2 and a population of about 301,492 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.694, which means that its people have some opportunities for development.

Banda Aceh City is the capital and largest city of Aceh province. It was founded in 1956 by UU 24/1956. The city has an area of 55.85 km2 and a population of about 257,600 people as of mid 2022. The city has a very high HDI of 0.857, which means that its people have a very high standard of living.

Bener Meriah Regency is a mountainous regency that was carved out of Central Aceh Regency in 2003 by UU 41/2003. Its capital is Simpang Tiga Redelong, which is located in the Gayo Highlands. The regency has an area of 1,930.75 km2 and a population of about 168,700 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0.732, which means that its people have a high level of human development.

Bireuen Regency is a regency that lies on the north coast of Aceh. It was created in 1999 by UU 48/1999. Its capital is Bireuen, which is located about 105 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 1,793.27 km2 and a population of about 443,874 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0.723, which means that its people have a good level of well-being.

Central Aceh Regency (Aceh Tengah) is a regency that covers the central part of Aceh province. It was established in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Takengon, which is located on the shores of Lake Laut Tawar. The regency has an area of 4,521.70 km2 and a population of about 222,673 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0. 733, which means that its people have a high level of human development.

East Aceh Regency (Aceh Timur) is a regency that stretches along the east coast of Aceh province. It was founded in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Idi Rayeuk, which is located about 140 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 5, 432. 63 km2 and a population of about 432, 849 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0. 678, which means that its people have some challenges in achieving their potential.

Gayo Lues Regency is a mountainous regency that was carved out of Central Aceh Regency in 2002 by UU 4/2002. Its capital is Blangkejeren, which is located in the Gayo Highlands. The regency has an area of 5,541.28 km2 and a population of about 103,100 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.675, which means that its people have some difficulties in accessing basic services.

Langsa City is a city that lies on the east coast of Aceh province. It was established in 2001 by UU 3/2001. The city has an area of 217.17 km2 and a population of about 192,600 people as of mid 2022. The city has a high HDI of 0.774, which means that its people have a high level of well-being.

Lhokseumawe City is a city that lies on the north coast of Aceh province. It was founded in 2001 by UU 2/2001. The city has an area of 136.49 km2 and a population of about 191,400 people as of mid 2022. The city has a high HDI of 0.775, which means that its people have a high level of human development.

Nagan Raya Regency is a coastal regency that was created in 2002 by UU 4/2002. Its capital is Suka Makmue, which is located on the west coast of Aceh. The regency has an area of 3,416.32 km2 and a population of about 173,400 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.693, which means that its people have some opportunities for development.

North Aceh Regency (Aceh Utara) is a regency that lies on the north coast of Aceh province. It was established in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Lhoksukon, which is located about 115 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 2, 711. 15 km2 and a population of about 614, 600 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0. 694, which means that its people have some challenges in achieving their potential.

Pidie Jaya Regency is a regency that was carved out of Pidie Regency in 2007 by UU 7/2007. Its capital is Meureudu, which is located about 140 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 953.12 km2 and a population of about 162,771 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0.736, which means that its people have a high level of well-being.

Pidie Regency is a regency that covers the central part of the east coast of Aceh province. It was founded in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Sigli, which is located about 120 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 3, 133. 93 km2 and a population of about 444, 505 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0. 707, which means that its people have a good level of human development.

Sabang City is a city that consists of several islands off the northern tip of Sumatra. It was established in 1967 and is the westernmost city in Indonesia. The city has an area of 122.04 km2 and a population of about 44,308 people as of mid 2022. The city has a high HDI of 0.761, which means that its people have a high level of quality of life.

Simeulue Regency is a regency that comprises Simeulue Island and several smaller islands in the Indian Ocean. It was formed in 1999 by UU 48/1999. Its capital is Sinabang, which is located on the main island. The regency has an area of 1,821.75 km2 and a population of about 94,876 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.664, which means that its people have some difficulties in achieving their potential.

South Aceh Regency (Aceh Selatan) is a coastal regency that lies on the south coast of Aceh province. It was established in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Tapaktuan, which is located about 240 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 4,175.37 km2 and a population of about 237,376 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.674, which means that its people have some challenges in accessing basic services.

Southeast Aceh Regency (Aceh Tenggara) is a mountainous regency that borders North Sumatra and Gayo Lues Regency. It was founded in 1974 by UU 7/1974. Its capital is Kutacane, which is located in the Alas Valley. The regency has an area of 4,179.12 km2 and a population of about 228,308 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.694, which means that its people have some opportunities for development.

Southwest Aceh Regency (Aceh Barat Daya) is a coastal regency that was created in 2002 by UU 4/2002. Its capital is Blangpidie, which is located on the west coast of Aceh. The regency has an area of 1,882.28 km2 and a population of about 155,046 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a medium HDI of 0.669, which means that its people have some difficulties in achieving their potential.

Subulussalam City is a city that lies on the border between Aceh and North Sumatra provinces. It was established in 2007 by UU 8/2007. The city has an area of 1,183.60 km2 and a population of about 95,199 people as of mid 2022. The city has a medium HDI of 0.652, which means that its people have some challenges in accessing basic services.

West Aceh Regency (Aceh Barat) is a coastal regency that lies on the west coast of Aceh province. It was founded in 1956 by UU 24/1956. Its capital is Meulaboh, which is located about 150 km from Banda Aceh. The regency has an area of 2, 818. 17 km2 and a population of about 202, 858 people as of mid 2022. The regency has a high HDI of 0. 716, which means that its people have a good level of well-being.

Demographic of Aceh

The population of Aceh has grown steadily over the years. In 1971, there were about 2 million people living in Aceh. By 1980, the population had increased to about 2.6 million, with an average growth rate of 2.96% per year. In the next decade, the population reached about 3.4 million, with a slightly lower growth rate of 2.72% per year. In 1995, the population was about 3.8 million, with a growth rate of 2.41% per year. In 2000, the population was almost 4 million, with a very low growth rate of 0.43% per year. This was probably due to the conflict and violence that affected Aceh at that time. In 2010, the population had recovered to about 4.5 million, with a growth rate of 1.35% per year. In 2015, the population was almost 5 million, with a higher growth rate of 2.13% per year. In 2020, the population was about 5.3 million, with a growth rate of 1.10% per year. The latest estimate for mid 2022 shows that the population is about 5.4 million, with a growth rate of 1.25% per year.

Aceh is a region with many different ethnic and cultural groups. Some of the major groups are:

- Acehnese: They live in most parts of Aceh and speak the Acehnese language, which is related to Malay and Arabic languages.

- Gayo: They live in the central and eastern part of Aceh and speak the Gayo language, which is related to Batak languages.

- Alas: They live in Southeast Aceh Regency and speak the Alas language, which is also related to Batak languages.

- Tamiang-Malays: They live in Aceh Tamiang Regency and speak a dialect of Malay language.

- Aneuk Jamee: They are descendants of Minangkabau people from West Sumatra and live in the southern and southwestern part of Aceh. They speak the Jamee language, which is a variation of Minangkabau language.

- Kluet: They live in South Aceh Regency and speak the Kluet language, which is another Batak language.

- Singkil: They live in Singkil and Subulussalam and speak the Singkil language, which is influenced by Malay and Batak languages.

- Simeulue and Sigulai: They live on Simeulue Island and speak the Simeulue and Sigulai languages, which are related to Nias language.

- Chinese: They are a minority group that live in some cities and towns and speak various Chinese languages.

- Javanese: Live mostly in cities and Transmigration areas

There are also some people who have Arab, Turkish, or Indian ancestry among the Acehnese. Most people in Aceh are Muslims. About 98% of the population follow Islam. There are also some Christians (Protestants and Catholics) and Buddhists. The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh is a famous mosque that represents the Islamic culture of Aceh.

Population of Aceh 2019 - 2021

In 2019, the population of different regions in Aceh was as follows: Aceh Utara had 586,851 people, Pidie had 442,450 people, Bireuen had 440,350 people, Aceh Timur had 423,638 people, Aceh Besar had 393,903 people, Aceh Tamiang had 297,429 people, Banda Aceh had 245,779 people, Aceh Selatan had 236,359 people, Aceh Tenggara had 226,162 people, Aceh Tengah had 214,828 people, Aceh Barat had 195,955 people, Lhokseumawe had 189,505 people, Langsa had 187,388 people, Nagan Raya had 171,550 people, Pidie Jaya had 161,430 people, Bener Meriah had 160,634 people, Aceh Barat Daya had 152,248 people, Aceh Singkil had 126,996 people, Gayo Lues had 101,045 people, Simeulue had 93,724 people, Aceh Jaya had 92,109 people, Subulussalam had 87,285 people, and Sabang had 42,191 people. The total population in Aceh in 2019 was 5,269,809.

In 2020, the population numbers changed slightly for each region: Aceh Utara had 590,536 people, Pidie had 444,149 people, Bireuen had 444,149 people, Aceh Timur had 426,398 people, Aceh Besar had 403,711 people, Aceh Tamiang had 299,487 people, Banda Aceh had 248,892 people, Aceh Selatan had 237,326 people, Aceh Tenggara had 227,174 people, Aceh Tengah had 216,072 people, Aceh Barat had 196,834 people, Lhokseumawe had 190,479 people, Langsa had 188,244 people, Nagan Raya had 172,257 people, Pidie Jaya had 162,174 people, Bener Meriah had 161,627 people, Aceh Barat Daya had 152,949 people, Aceh Singkil had 127,711 people, Gayo Lues had 101,540 people, Simeulue had 94,146 people, Aceh Jaya had 92,781 people, Subulussalam had 91,423 people, and Sabang had 42,457 people. The total population in Aceh in 2020 was 5,311,320.

In 2021, the population numbers further changed: Aceh Utara had 600,163 people, Pidie had 435,797 people, Bireuen had 444,383 people, Aceh Timur had 429,094 people, Aceh Besar had 416,532 people, Aceh Tamiang had 300,831 people, Banda Aceh had 253,198 people, Aceh Selatan had 236,487 people, Aceh Tenggara had 227,456 people, Aceh Tengah had 219,411 people, Aceh Barat had 198,411 people, Lhokseumawe had 191,034 people, Langsa had 185,836 people, Nagan Raya had 172,484 people, Pidie Jaya had 159,941 people, Bener Meriah had 166,448 people, Aceh Barat Daya had 153,213 people, Aceh Singkil had 129,333 people, Gayo Lues had 101,754 people, Simeulue had 94,368 people, Aceh Jaya had 94,761 people, Subulussalam had 94,571 people, and Sabang had 42,696 people. The total population in Aceh in 2021 was 5,347,889.

Read more: About Aceh