Strategies of cultural adaptation among non-Muslim minorities under Islamic law in Aceh, Indonesia

The implementation of Islamic Sharia in Aceh creates unique dynamics for non-Muslim minorities as they navigate dominant cultural norms that regulate behaviour, and appearance in public spaces. This study analyses the practical everyday cultural adaptation strategies employed by minority groups to manage social pressure and stigma. Utilising cultural adaptation theory and hegemony theory, the research demonstrates that under a robust religious legal structure, social stability is maintained through strategic identity negotiations in the public sphere. These findings offer a significant contribution to understanding how individual agency interacts with structural dominance to foster interreligious coexistence within a legally regulated environment.