Lhokseumawe is the second largest city in Aceh province, Indonesia. It faces the Malacca Strait, and is surrounded by North Aceh Regency (Indonesian:Kabupaten Aceh Utara). The city covers an area of 212 square kilometres. According to the 2000 census Lhokseumawe had a population of 188,974 people. Being between Banda Aceh and the large southern city of Medan, the town is a key regional centre important for the economy of Aceh.