Cultural Adaptation of Acehnese and Etnic Chinesee in Banda Aceh from Intercultural Communication Perspective

As a special region called the Veranda of Mecca, Aceh is a unique province and it differs from others in Indonesia, for the implementation of Islamic law in the region. In fact, there are many ethnic groups, who live in Aceh. One of them is ethnic Chinese. A majority of ethnic Chinese lives in Peunayong region of Banda Aceh, located near a port. The research studies, cultural adaptation of the Acehnese and ethnic Chinese in Banda Aceh, from Intercultural Communication Perspective. It also studies obtacles in the communication process, as the centre of this cultural adaptation. The research uses descriptive qualitative methods, through a case study approach, in order to see the cultural adaptation of the Acehnese and ethnic Chinese, as well as its obstacles. The research will use in-depth interview for seven informants, from the Aceh ethnic group and ethnic Chinese. The research data are obtained from the in-depth interview, observation and documentation data. The research results indicate the occurrence of cultural adaptation in a form of language, behavior, social tradition as well as culture. Despite there have occurred the cultural adaptation, the obstacles still occur. The obstacles occur in a kind of prejudice, stereotype and etnocentrism between the two ethnic groups. Moreover, the obstacles rises as well, when the government is involved in this matter. It bans some celebrations, such as Christmas Day and New Year.