Khairani Arifin: A Heroine for Humanity

Aceh is famed for its heroines. The best known include Malahayati, an admiral who led an Acehnese armada against the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, and Cut Nyak Dhien, who fought against the Dutch in the late nineteenth century. Many Acehnese name their daughters, hospitals, roads and universities after these folk heroines. Following the dual disasters of conflict and tsunami and the blessing of a peace deal, Aceh is currently undergoing a major transformation, and the search for a new identity.