The History of Aceh: A Synopsis

The exceptional geographical position of Aceh as the gateway to Malaka Strails is extremely important and influential in the making of its history. For centuries Indian and Arab traders procuring Indonesian spices had made Aceh an ideal place where business transactions, particularly barter trades, between the Arab-Indian traders and the Chinese were executed.

When Sriwijaya kingdom in Palembang was the only major enter port in Sumatera Island, Indian ships sailing to and from China always made a stop-over in Aceh. Consequently, this area had also served as a starting point before foreign cultures and religions expanded their influences in other part of Indonesia. Its strategic locations in the westernmost of the archipelago had facilitated the expansions. Indian traders, for example, introduced Hinduism and Buddhism in 7^th century. Six centuries later Arab traders started the teachings of Islam. In 17^th century the Portuguese stole a glance at Aceh.

The name”Aceh” originated from the native tongue. It has been use d to date. In the book”History of Melayu”, Aceh is called “Lam Muri” which happened to be the name of one of the eight kingdoms then existed in Aceh. The Venetian trader Marco Polo stopped over in Peureulak in 1292 and called Aceh ”Lambri”. Then the Portuguese called the Region ”Akhir” the Dutch “Akhin” and the Englishmen ”Achin”.

Marco Polo further noted that when he visited Giava, or Jawa Minor (Sumatera), there were eight large kingdoms, among others Lamuri, Peureulak, Samudera, Aru, and Tamiang.

Historical records have confirmed that Islam set foot on Aceh land before it made further expansions and that the first Islam kingdoms (Peureulak and Pasai around 13^th century) were founded here. The first Moslem king was Sultan Johan Syah in 601 Hijriah (1205 AD). The kingdom then became Aceh Darussalam kingdom in 1516 AD with Banda Aceh Darussalam (now Banda Aceh) as its capital.

Another kingdom was Samudera Pasei and the kings, Sultan Malik al Saleh, was converted into a Moslem in 1270 AD. Samudera grew rapidly and became an important kingdom in Malaka Straits in 14^th century.

Islam teachings and culture have been profoundly rooted in the spirits and way of life of Aceh people to such an extent that they are clearly reflected in their daily life and activities. For this reason from 17^th century onwards-when Aceh was under the king Sultan Iskandar Muda-Aceh has been widely known as”The Front Porch of Mekkah”. Unfortunately, the glory of the kingdom can not be maintained: the king’s successors failed to control his subordinates and ultimately the kingdom fell apart from within. The authority of the leaders was gradually deteriorating and outside influence was creeping to the kingdom.

The situation persisted until the Dutch – in their efforts to occupy the entire territorty of the country- declared a war in 1873. With a strong religious conviction, the people responded the challenge by declaring a holy war. The war lasted for 40 years and ended, at least formally, in 1903. In reality, however, the war had never come to an end completely: guerilla warfare was launched sporadically, undermining the Dutch government.

The presence of the Dutch in Aceh has, to a certain extent, affected Aceh cultures, notably in education. Modern western education has influenced the religion-based educational system “pesantren” through the indtroduction of a public school system, while at the same time incorporating general, and as such secular, knowledge and Dutch language in the curriculums. The pressure reached its peak in 1930 when some Dutch schools were set on fire. Uprisings in remote areas were taking place until the Japanese landed their army in1942.

When the real intention of the self-declared “old brother”(the Japanese) was unfailed-which was no different from the Dutch’s the war was diverted against the Japanese and ended when they capitulated in 1945.

The Japanese occupation did not influence Aceh much.

The contribution and participatrion of Aceh people during the Revolution Period were so great that the first President of the Republic of Indonesia praised Aceh by calling this area “a valuable asset of the nation”.

During this period Aceh people bought an aircraft anf handed it over to the Indonesian Government in Jawa. The aircraft was named “Seulawah”. This contribution was not only significant physically. Morally, it elevated the sense of pride of Aceh people for being able to take an active part in Revolution.

When the revolution was over, opportunities to establish contacts with other provinces, regions, and even outside world were widely open. New elements began penetrating into and mixing with local life and cultures, so that cultural transformations were unavoidable. Nevertheless, the originality and purity of Aceh are well preserved to date. The people welcome foreign elements provided they are not in contradiction with their religion, i.e. islam.