The Existence of Non Muslim Policewomen in Banda Aceh: Between Piety and Identity

Abstract

Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that implements Islamic sharia. Muslims living in Aceh must comply and support the implementation of sharia law. However, there is an impact of implementing Islamic sharia for non-Muslims in Aceh. This article focuses on three non-Muslim policewomen from various police institutions in Banda Aceh. How do they express their piety as a non-Muslim minority group while still maintaining their identity but using symbols and activities in the Muslim environment in Banda Aceh. As qualitative research, the data collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation with three informants. Then analyzed using the theory of piety identity politics initiated by Saba Mahmood, the researcher found that the expressions of piety shown by the three policewomen in the public spaces even though they used the symbols and identities of other religions, but at the same times, they have created religious values ​​for their beliefs as a Christian minority in Aceh to become stronger