All photos from Nina Octoviana’s Instagram account

Aceh, the one region of Indonesia where Islamic Sharia law is enforced (even on non-Muslims), does not have the best record on women’s rights. Muslim women living in the region can be whipped publicly for being caught alone with a man they’re not married to, are not allowed to wear tight trousers or even ride normally on motorcycles as it is deemed “improper.”

Despite all that, it seems that women in Aceh can still kick ass, given the chance.

Selamat pagi A photo posted by Nina Octaviana (@ninaoktoviana) on Feb 2, 2015 at 4:56pm PST

Nina Oktoviana has been making headlines in Indonesia recently for becoming the first female member to earn a spot in the conservative region’s elite Brimob (Mobile Brigade) anti-terrorism bomb squad unit.

The 22-year-old started her law enforcement career as a member of the region’s regular police force in January 2014. Her impressive skills and dedication to the job quickly got her noticed by her superiors, which led her to requesting a place in the Brimob bomb squad.

The head of the bomb squad, Commissioner Asnawi Hashim, admitted that he doubted Nina at first, especially whether she would meet the strenuous physical requirements of the job.

“I hesitated when Nina asked for entry into force, because she is a woman and to be in the anti-terrorism forces you need to be strong physically,” said Asnawi on Monday, as quoted by Merdeka.

Asnawi offered Nina a staff position at the bomb squad’s headquarters in Banda Aceh. However, Nina refused and adamantly asked to be placed in the anti-terrorism forces. So Asnawi gave her a shot.

Nina joined the 45 man Brimob bomb squad in July 2014 as its first and only female member. Asnawi said she was not given any leniency because of her gender and had to undergo the same rigorous physical training exercises as her squadmates.

Latihan gabungan wanteror brimob n raider A photo posted by Nina Octaviana (@ninaoktoviana) on Jan 29, 2015 at 9:31pm PST

Asnawi said Nina never once complained or gave up during training, proving her skills and determination over and over again.

“I could not doubt her abilities anymore,” he said. “Nina is a very intelligent soldier, quick to adapt and learn from her trainers.”

Even after earning high praise for her abilities, Nina seems eager to continue improving her skills. She has never once missed a training or simulation.

A photo posted by Nina Octaviana (@ninaoktoviana) on Jan 19, 2015 at 7:03am PST

“The science of counterterrorism is interesting and challenging, it’s not something you can find in the regular police,” Nina said, as quoted by Okezone.

According to her commanders, Nina is an excellent shot and an expert in karate as well. And according to us, she’s a truly awe-inspiring example of what the women of Aceh can do when given a chance.

Selamat pagi mari latihan.. semangatt A photo posted by Nina Octaviana (@ninaoktoviana) on Jan 25, 2015 at 6:11pm PST

Read (and share) more great stories from Coconuts Jakarta

Dolly, once the biggest red light district in Southeast Asia, was closed last year, but its legacy lives on. Learn what happened after the city’s enormous sex trade went underground as we interview the pimps and prostitutes of Surabaya’s most infamous neighborhood in our 3-part investigative series, “Dolly Revisited” and accompanying documentary “Goodbye Dolly

Check out Coconuts TV to watch the coolest stories from throughout Asia

Toms: The complex world of female love in Thailand

Look-see: The Hijab Fashionistas of Jakarta

Art Coco: Indonesia’s faceless street artist Darbotz

Grove: Coconuts Brand Studio

Fast. Funny. Digital. We produce creativity that delights and influences customers. Join forces with us to slay buzzwords, rise above the noise, and sow the seeds of something great.