Southwest Aceh

Southwest Aceh is a regency on western Sumatra's coast in Indonesia, spanning terrain that ranges from coastal areas to elevated inland zones. The region comprises nine administrative districts with varied settlement patterns and local governance structures.

The region was established as a separate administrative unit in 2002, carved out from the former South Aceh area. This creation reflected broader governmental restructuring efforts taking place in the Aceh province at that time.

Islam shapes daily life here, visible in the architecture of mosques and prayer spaces throughout settlements. These religious spaces serve as gathering points where community events and discussions happen regularly.

Blangpidie serves as the main administrative center with connections to regional road networks linking it to other parts of northwest Sumatra. Infrastructure tends to be more developed in coastal areas compared to the interior highland zones.

The nine districts preserve traditional village structures called gampong that function as basic units for local decision-making and community affairs. This system allows neighborhoods to govern their own matters independently within the broader administrative framework.

Location: Aceh

Inception: 2002

Capital city: Blangpidie

Elevation above the sea: 879 m

Shares border with: Nagan Raya, Gayo Lues, Southeast Aceh, South Aceh

GPS coordinates: 3.79111,95.91667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28