Despite improvements in religious harmony, being a minority in the overwhelmingly Muslim region is not without challenges.
There are only 19 Catholic churches in Aceh, while Protestants have more than 180 churches.
Catholics mix with believers of other religions in Banda Aceh, partly bonded by the shared trauma of the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which killed around 60,000 people in the city alone.
Their Sacred Heart church was affected by the giant waves, becoming flooded with thick mud while the initial earthquake destroyed parts of its walls.
Every year on December 26, the churchgoers congregate to mark the tragic event and pray for the victims.
While the Christmas celebration is less festive than in other parts of the world, worshippers still welcome the joy in the church that has become their little oasis.
“I always feel safe and comfortable to worship here because the security is tight,” worshipper Lisbetty Purba told AFP.
The 35-year-old housewife said when she moved to Banda Aceh four years ago from neighbouring North Sumatra province, where many Christians live, she was worried about the rules she had to follow, but soon realised her worries were unfounded.
“I really love living here, I met good neighbours who are kind to me,” she said.
“The key is communication and willingness to share.”
© 2024 AFP
