Set between post-tsunami Aceh and before the signing of the Helsinki memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Nirzona narrates the story of lovers Sidan and Firdaus.

Upon hearing the news about his family and village in Aceh being struck by a tsunami, Sidan decides to leave everything in Yogyakarta, including his studies and his object of affection, a woman named Firdaus. Before leaving, he promises that he will back soon. However, due to the great loss, political and cultural problems, Sidan cannot just leave his hometown straightaway, although he tries to keep in touch with Firdaus, which later poses challenges for their relationship.

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During the discussion, Abidah told the audience that Aceh could be viewed as the center of culture and religion of Islam. More precisely, the history of Islam in Indonesia was started in Aceh, thus it gained its nickname "Serambi Mekkah" (Veranda of Mecca).

“I see Aceh as our dearest family [member] who has experienced tremendous disaster. As a writer, my heart, emotions, thoughts and imagination are drawn to talk about the reality and effect of the disaster into literature,” she said. “The tsunami in Aceh became interesting for me not just because it caused many casualties, but because the province also has a special position in this country’s history. For the Indonesian government, Aceh has always been viewed with suspicion and disregarded, which is very different with the majority of Indonesians' attitude who still love the place very much.”

Admitting that love stories had always inspired her, Abidah wanted to present her work in a universal way without being divided into eastern or western readers. “When I'm using terms that are close to Quran, it's more because I'm a Muslim who was born and raised in strong Islamic environment,” she said. “More precisely, Islamic diction in my books are reflected from my daily life. They are not fabricated nor just fulfilling the industry’s needs.”

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Born in Jombang, East Java, in 1965, Abidah is an author who is critical about the concept and implementation of Islam, as well as women issues. She has been very industrious and so far has published more than five books, including a short story Menari di atas Gunting (Dancing Above the Scissor) (2001) and Atas Singgasana (Above the Throne) (2002). One of her works, Perempuan Berkalung Sorban (Woman with a Headscarf) (2001), had been adapted to the big screen in 2009.

The English version of Nirzona, translated by Aline Tucker, is set to be published at the end of November by Amazon Publishing. (kes)

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