The Aceh Tsunami Museum

The Aceh Tsunami Museum is located on Jalan Iskandar Muda Street, Banda Aceh, and is open daily (except Friday) from 10.00-12.00 noon, and 15.00-17.00 West Indonesia Time. The Museum building has adopted the traditional raised Aceh House, while at the same time it resembles a ship with its protruding funnel.

Stepping inside, one will find a narrow corridor with water flowing from either side accompanied by a scary rumbling sounds,reminding of the devastations made by the 2004 tsunami. The Museum also features an electronic simulation of the Indian Ocean earthquake, pictures of the casualties, and stories and testimonies of survivors. Building the museum had cost about IDR70 billion, and consists of 2 floors. The first floor is an open space area which serves as reminder of the tsunami disaster.

There are several sections on the first floor which recall the unfortunate day including pre-tsunami, during the tsunami, and post-tsunami pictures. Several images, remnants, and a diorama are showcased here. Some of the most notable dioramas are fishing boats being hit by the high waves and dashed onto the shore. There is also a picture of the PLTD Apung Ship which was swept up and carried far inland to finally come aground at Punge Blang Cut.

The 2nd floor features educational media including a library, simulation rooms, 4D room, and a souvenirs shop. Some of the simulation showcased here are an earthquake resistant building and a model of the earth’s crust. There is also a room displaying tsunami disaster paintings and diorama.

Get There

The Aceh Tsunami Museum is located at Jalan Iskandar Muda street in the heart of the city of Banda Aceh, near the Simpang Jam, the Clock tower Intersection. It is situated near the Blang Padang Field, next to the Dutch Cemetery or Kerkhof Peutjut.