Portrait Series

As a young woman in Aceh, I observe a distinct cultural lifestyle compared to other parts of Indonesia due to the strong influence of Islamic Sharia. The implementation of Sharia is governed by a regional regulation called Qanun, serving as the legal foundation. This has made hijab mandatory for Acehnese women, enforced in designated areas like government offices, private agencies, schools, and colleges. The government introduced Wilayatul Hisbah (Sharia police) to ensure compliance, conducting checks to enforce the hijab rule. While these regulations aim for positive outcomes, they sometimes empower men in positions of 'power' to unfairly judge women. The government also regulates restrictions on men and women interaction in public spaces. Inspections are performed on a regular basis to ensure compliance. The state regulates all personal worship. And the punishment is caning. However, have the gender-oriented restrictions made Aceh a safe space for women? Unfortunately, the fact says “NO”. based on a research done by Indonesian Cental Bureau of Statistic, Aceh remains Indonesia's fourth most violent province in terms of sexual harassment. This series offers a visual response to the challenges faced by my female friends and me in the context of the implementation of Islamic law. I commenced the series by crafting artworks from my family archives depicting the attire of Acehnese women before the enforcement of Islamic law in Aceh. Furthermore, I introduced faceless portraits as a reaction to the government's restriction of women's space, portraying them as passive symbols within the Islamic collective in Aceh. Aceh's social conditions are the primary impetus for me to create and voice out my opinions. Because I am a woman, I was born in Aceh, I grew up in Aceh, it’s a part of my life, and I have to admit that sometimes my clossest environment can prevent me from doing certain things. Using photography as a medium, I investigate the lives of women in Aceh. I attempt to advocate the women’s fundamental right through the medium of photography.