Aceh, located at the northern tip of Sumatra, holds a unique position within Indonesia, shaped by its adherence to Sharia law and a history of insurgency. Over the years, the region has faced challenges with radicalisation and extremism. In 2024, efforts to counter violent extremism (CVE) in Aceh have increasingly shifted towards empowering women, recognising their critical roles as caregivers, educators, and community leaders. By addressing systemic barriers and equipping women with the tools to counter radical narratives, Aceh is forging a new path toward peace and stability.
Keywords : Extremism, Women, Radical
Women in Aceh traditionally occupy influential roles within families and communities, making them pivotal in shaping values and guiding social behaviour. These positions make them uniquely capable of identifying and countering extremist ideologies at their roots. A 2024 study by Indonesia’s National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) revealed that 35% of extremist recruitment in Aceh occurs through familial and community networks, highlighting the importance of empowering women as frontline defenders against radicalisation. By fostering critical thinking and awareness, women can play a transformative role in preventing their families and communities from falling prey to extremist narratives.
However, significant challenges hinder women’s empowerment in Aceh. Deep-seated cultural norms and patriarchal structures often limit their public engagement and decision-making power. In a 2024 survey conducted by the Aceh Women’s Empowerment Agency, 62% of women reported that societal expectations confined their influence to domestic spaces, preventing them from participating in community initiatives. Furthermore, extremist groups actively target women for recruitment, exploiting their social positions to propagate radical ideologies. The Aceh Anti-Radicalisation Forum documented 48 cases in 2023 where women were coerced or manipulated into extremist activities, emphasising the urgent need for protective and empowering interventions.
Despite these challenges, several programs launched in 2024 have demonstrated the effectiveness of empowering women in countering extremism. Educational initiatives have been particularly impactful. Over 7,500 women in Aceh participated in awareness campaigns aimed at identifying and resisting extremist recruitment tactics. These programs, supported by local NGOs and government agencies, reported a 40% increase in women’s confidence to challenge radical narratives within their households and communities.
Economic empowerment has also emerged as a critical component of CVE efforts. Poverty and unemployment are significant drivers of radicalisation in Aceh, making economic stability a key factor in reducing susceptibility to extremist propaganda. In 2024, the Aceh Women’s Cooperative Union trained 2,800 women in vocational skills and provided access to microfinance, enabling them to start small businesses. These initiatives not only improved household incomes but also fostered a sense of agency and independence, reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Religious advocacy by female religious leaders (ulama perempuan) has played a crucial role in countering extremist interpretations of Islam. In 2024, 120 ulama perempuan in Aceh led community discussions that emphasised values of tolerance, inclusivity, and peace. Their efforts have been instrumental in deconstructing radical narratives and promoting a more moderate understanding of Islamic teachings. Local communities that participated in these discussions reported a 30% decrease in support for extremist ideologies, according to data from the Aceh Religious Harmony Council.
Concrete results from these initiatives underscore the potential of women’s empowerment in combating extremism. The BNPT reported a 25% reduction in extremist recruitment in Aceh in 2024, directly linked to increased community awareness and participation in CVE programs. Moreover, 70% of participants in women-led peace committees successfully resolved local conflicts, preventing escalation and fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect.
The path forward requires addressing systemic barriers to women’s empowerment whilst scaling up successful programs. Policies that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights must be prioritised. Expanding access to education and vocational training for women will further enhance their ability to influence societal change. International support is also crucial, providing resources and technical expertise to sustain and expand CVE initiatives in Aceh.
Empowering women is not just a moral imperative, it is a strategic necessity for countering extremism in Aceh. As key actors in their communities, women have the power to disrupt radicalisation at its roots and promote narratives of peace and coexistence. The successes of 2024 demonstrate that investing in women’s empowerment is a critical step toward building a resilient and harmonious society in Aceh. By placing women at the forefront of CVE strategies, Aceh can lead the way in creating a future free from the shadow of extremism.
