Under a Rebel Flag: Social Resistance under Insurgent Rule in Aceh

Resistance is difficult in the best of times and is especially challenging in authoritarian settings. How does social resistance play out in violent armed conflicts, an extreme non-democratic context? Focusing on two key structural factors, this article suggests that while threat is amplified, political opportunity may be considerable, making wartime social resistance high-stakes but not uncommon. This article explores social resistance against popular rebel forces during the recent secessionist conflict in Aceh, Indonesia. It examines four forms of resistance, varying in their visibility and degree of opposition: engagement, internal, everyday, and defiance. While we must not exaggerate the potential for voice, Aceh’s civilians were able to resist rebel rulers in several ways. This shows that social resistance can blossom even in the most difficult circumstances.