Christian women in Aceh: the hijab as a site of identity negotiation

This study explores the identity negotiation of Christian women in Aceh through their use of the hijab, a response to the dominance of Islamic culture and Sharia implementation. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews with 10 Christian women revealed motivations such as respecting the majority culture, ensuring safety, and avoiding negative attention, including raids by Wilayatul Hisbah. The hijab symbolizes a hybrid identity, blending elements of minority and majority cultures based on context. This adaptation fosters social acceptance, strengthens relationships, and provides comfort while maintaining religious beliefs. The findings highlight the role of interaction experience and intercultural communication in shaping identity, aligning with identity negotiation theory. By examining this phenomenon, the research offers fresh insights into the dynamics of majority-minority relations within a framework of cultural hegemony in Aceh, emphasizing adaptation as a strategy for coexistence and mutual respect.