Aceh women have placed themselves in a special and honourable position in the history of Aceh. Dozens of them had earned great names and thousands died during the war against the Dutch. Admiral Malahayati, Teungku Fakinah, Cut Nyak Dhien, Cut Meutia, Pocut Meurah Intan, Pocut Baren, Teungku Fatimah are only a few of the heroines directly involved in the war. Their names have been eternally engraved in the history of Aceh and praised by friends and enemies. The courageous Admiral Malahayati and her “Inong Bale” Fleet have been immortalized by a Dutch writer,Marie Van Zuchtelen, in her book The Female Admiral: Malahayati.
Based on the historical data, in 17th century Aceh was governed by four princesses consecutively. They were: Naqiatuddin, Zakiatuddin, Kamelat Syah and Naqiatuddin. Aceh women could play and indirect but decive role in government matters. Princess Lindung Bulan, for instance, was the assistant of her own father, Raja Muda Sedia in Negeri Benua Tamieng (part of Peureulak kingdom) in 14th century. Another prominent figure was Putri Pahang, popularly known as Putrou Pohang, the wife of Sultan Iskandar Muda. She put forwad the idea of establishing a Conculative Council of the People, or a Parliament. Whe, aterialized 16 out of 73 members of the Council were women.
The role of Aceh women today, and in the future as well, is essentially a reflection of the past, since they have been equipped with and unwavering tradition and a solid religious conviction.
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