The novels historical backdrop is the armed conflict between the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (Free Aceh Movement) and Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Armed Forces) 19762005. Nazir is the son of a farmer who was appointed district supervisor of the rebellion. Blood Moon over Aceh shows what happens when private greed and multinational corporations go unchecked and work with public institutions in the Indonesian state and military to create public policies that destroy the environment and the lives of ordinary citizens.