It has been said that the almighty one’s power saved the mosque when everything around it was crushed. Islam is strong and very conservative in the Aceh region, so this was a symbol of enormous impact.
The tsunami disaster had one positive consequence as it stopped the war and the government made a deal with the GAM leaders that gave the region a significant self determination. Unfortunately this has led to sharia laws being adopted. Moral police arrest women who don’t cove their hair, and warn young people who sit to close on a motorcycle. No alcohol is served in restaurants.
Though with a little hush-hush we managed to have a few beers at a rooftop restaurant, but it was served in innocent-looking thermo mugs.