Map showing Aceh within Indonesia

Map of Aceh

Aceh Region (Tactical Pilotage Chart) Northwest Aceh only

Aceh (pronounced Ah-chay) is a special territory (daerah istimewa, or "special area") of Indonesia, located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Its full name is Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam; past spellings of its name include Acheh, Atjeh and Achin. province of Indonesia File links The following pages link to this file: Aceh Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Maps/Archive1 Categories: GFDL images ... province of Indonesia File links The following pages link to this file: Aceh Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Maps/Archive1 Categories: GFDL images ... Download high resolution version (780x990, 119 KB)Map of Indonesian province of Aceh. ... Download high resolution version (780x990, 119 KB)Map of Indonesian province of Aceh. ... Download high resolution version (1675x2084, 423 KB)Aceh Region (Tactical Pilotage Chart) original scale 1:500,000. ... Download high resolution version (1675x2084, 423 KB)Aceh Region (Tactical Pilotage Chart) original scale 1:500,000. ... Sumatra (also spelled Sumatara and Sumatera) is the sixth largest island of the world (approximately 470,000 km²) and is the largest part of Indonesia. ...

Aceh is known for its political independence and fierce resistance to control by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and the current Indonesian government. For the last 26 years, it has been torn by a separatist conflict waged by the Free Aceh Movement (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka - GAM) against the Jakarta government rooted in issues over control of resources, and over cultural and religious issues. Aceh has substantial natural resources, including oil & gas - some estimates put Aceh gas reserves as being the largest in the world. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a religiously conservative area. ASNLF Flag The Free Aceh Movement (Indonesian: Gerakan Aceh Merdeka or simply GAM), also known as the Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF), is an armed separatist group seeking independence for the Aceh region on Sumatra from Indonesia. ...

Aceh was the closest point of land to the epicenter of the massive 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which triggered a tsunami that devastated much of the western coast of the region, including the capital of Banda Aceh. At least 238,000 persons were dead or missing, with a further 500,000 plus being made homeless. One positive aspect of this tragedy has been yet another tentative peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and GAM, with the signing of a MoU on 15th August, 2005. At the time of signing, the outlook for a successful outcome was seen as being cautiously optimistic. The epicenter is directly above the earthquakes focus. ... The December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hits Thailand The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, known by the scientific community as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, was an undersea earthquake that occurred at 00:58:53 UTC (07:58:53 local time) on December 26, 2004. ... Location of Banda Aceh Devastation to Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra as a result of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Credit: DigitalGlobe) Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra at 5°31′N... A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a legal document describing an agreement between parties. ...

The population of Aceh before Dec 2004 tsunami was 4.271 million (Data from KPU (General Election Commitee) in 2004). The population now is 4,031,589 (As 15 September 2005), almost two percent of the Indonesian population.

History

The historical artifacts shows that Islam first entered Southeast Asia through Aceh in the 8th century. The first Islamic Kingdom of Peureulak was established around 850 AD in nowadays East Aceh district with Banda Khalifah as its capital. Then follows Samudra Pasai (where the name Sumatera originated from) in nowadays North Aceh district, which were recorded by Marco Polo and Ibn Batutah during the reign of Sultan Malik uz Zahir. The Kingdom of Aceh was established initially as a small Islamic kingdom in nowadays Banda Aceh during 12th century AD. During its golden era, its territory and political influence expanded significantly as far as Satun in southern Thailand, Johor in Malay Peninsula, and Siak in nowadays Riau province. From the beginning of 16th century, the Sultanate of Aceh was involved in an almost continuous power struggle first with Portugal, then from 18th century against British and Dutch colonial interests with varying successes. At the end of 18th century Aceh had to give up its traditional territory of Kedah and Pulau Pinang in Malay Peninsula to British. Islam (Arabic: ; ( (help· info)), the peaceful submission to the will of God) is a monotheistic faith, one of the Abrahamic religions and the worlds second-largest religion. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ...

In 1824 the Anglo-Dutch treaty was signed, under which the British ceded their colonial possessions on Sumatra to the Dutch. The British claimed Aceh as part of their colonies, although they had no actual control over the sultanate. Initially, under the agreement the Dutch agreed to respect the Acehnese sultanate's independence. In 1871, however, the British dropped previous opposition to a Dutch invasion of Aceh, possibly to prevent the French from gaining a foothold in the region. 1824 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, also known as the Treaty of London (one of several), was a treaty signed between the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in London on March 17, 1824. ... 1871 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

The Aceh war

The Dutch colonial government declared war on Aceh on 26 March 1873 after some diplomatic threats were made. An expedition under general-major Köhler was sent out in 1874, which was able to occupy most of the coastal areas. It was the intention of the Dutch to attack and take the Sultan's palace, which would also lead to the occupation of the entire country, a classic form of gun boat diplomacy. The Sultan requested and possibly received military aid from Italy and the United Kingdom in Singapore: in any case the Aceh army was rapidly modernized, and Aceh soldiers managed to kill Köhler (a monument of this achievement has been built inside Masjid Raya Banda Aceh). Köhler made some grave tactical errors and the reputation of the Dutch was severly harmed. March 26 is the 85th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (86th in leap years). ... 1873 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calaber). ...

A second expediton led by general Van Swieten managed to capture the kraton (sultan's palace): the Sultan had however been warned, and had escaped capture. Intermittent guerrilla warfare continued in the region for ten years, with many victims on both sides. Around 1880 the Dutch strategy changed: rather than continuing the war, they now concentrated on defending areas already under control, which were the central region (modern day Banda Aceh), and the harbour town of Ulhee Lheue. On 13 October 1880 the colonial government declared the war as over. 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Location of Banda Aceh Devastation to Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra as a result of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Credit: DigitalGlobe) Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra at 5°31′N... October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years). ... 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

A captured Aceh fort on a photo from 1901.

War began again in 1883, when the British ship Nisero was stranded in Aceh, in an area not controlled by the Dutch. A local leader asked for ransom from both the Dutch and the British, and under British pressure the Dutch were forced to attempt to liberate the sailors. After a failed Dutch attempt to rescue the hostages, where the local leader Teuku Umar was asked for help but he refused, the Dutch together with the British invaded the territory. The Sultan gave up the hostages, and received a large amount in cash in exchange. The Dutch Minister of Warfare Weitzel now again declared open war on Aceh, and warfare continued, with little success, as before. The Dutch now also tried to enlist local leaders: the aforementioned Umar was bought with cash, opium, and weapons. Umar received the title panglima prang besar (upper warlord of the government). Umar called himself rather Teuku Djohan Pahlawan (Johan the heroic). On 1 January 1894 Umar even received Dutch aid to build an army. However, two years later Umar attacked the Dutch with his new army, rather than aiding the Dutch in subjugating inner Aceh. This is recorded in Dutch history as "Het verraad van Teukoe Oemar" (the treason of Teuku Umar). Photo from a captured fort in Aceh, 1904 This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Photo from a captured fort in Aceh, 1904 This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1883 (MDCCCLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Opium is a narcotic analgesic drug which is obtained from the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L. or the synonym paeoniflorum). ... January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... 1894 (MDCCCXCIV) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

In 1892 and 1893 the subjugation of Aceh was considered to have failed. Major J.B. van Heutsz, a colonial military leader, then wrote a series of articles on Aceh. He was supported by Dr Snoeck Hurgronje, an islamist of the university of Leyden. Snoeck Hurgronje managed to get the confidence of many Atjehan leaders and gathered valuable intelligence for the Dutch government. His works remained an official secret for many years. Snouck analysed Atjehan society, minimised the role of the Sultan and taught that attention should be directed to the nobility/landowners and the islamic clergy. Especially against the clergy the use of excessive force was advised. 1892 (MDCCCXCII) was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... 1893 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... J.B. (Joannes Benedictus) van Heutsz (1851-1924), was appointed governor general of the Dutch East Indies in 1904. ...

This advice was followed: in 1898 Van Heutsz was proclaimed governor of Aceh, and with his lieutenant, later Dutch Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn, most of Aceh was brought under Dutch control. Later van Heutsz charged colonel Van Daalen with breaking remaining resistance. Van Daalen destroyed several villages, killing at least 2,900 Acehnese, among which were 1,150 women and children. Dutch losses numbered just 26, and Van Daalen was promoted. By 1904 Aceh was fully under Dutch control. Estimated total casualties on the Aceh side range from 50,000 to 100,000 dead, and over a million wounded. 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Hendrikus Colijn (1869–1944), was a successful Dutch soldier, businessman and politician. ... 1904 (MCMIV) is a leap year starting on a Friday (link will take you to calendar). ...

The deeds of van Daalen didn't go unnoticed however, as the brutal behaviour of the Dutch was attacked in several pamphlets leading to a parliamentary inquiry.

Guerilla warfare against the Dutch continued until the independence of the Dutch Indies as Indonesia following the end of Japanese occupation.

Independence

Upon independence, Indonesian troops were dispatched to annex Aceh, causing resentment over what some Acehnese view as foreign occupation. Since then, there have been periodic armed conflicts between the Indonesian military and local forces fighing for greater separation from the central government. Annexation is the legal merging of some territory into another body. ...

In 1959 the Indonesian government yielded in part and gave Aceh a "special territory" (daerah istimewa) status, giving it a greater degree of autonomy from the central government in Jakarta than most other regions of Indonesia have. For example, the regional government is empowered to construct a legal system independent of the national government. In 2003, a form of sharia, or Islamic law, was formally introduced in Aceh. [1] 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The neutrality and factual accuracy of this article are disputed. ...

Tsunami disaster

The western coastal areas of Aceh, including the cities of Banda Aceh, Calang, and Meulaboh, were among the areas hardest-hit by the tsunami resulting from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on December 26, 2004. While estimates vary, approximately 230,000 people were killed by the earthquake and tsunami in Aceh, and about 400,000 were left homeless. Location of Banda Aceh Devastation to Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra as a result of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Credit: DigitalGlobe) Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra at 5°31′N... Categories: Indonesia geography stubs | Cities in Indonesia ... The tsunami that struck Malé in the Maldives on December 26, 2004. ... The December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hits Thailand The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, known by the scientific community as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, was an undersea earthquake that occurred at 00:58:53 UTC (07:58:53 local time) on December 26, 2004. ... December 26 is the 360th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, 361st in leap years. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

While parts of Banda Aceh, the capital, were unscathed, the areas closest to the water, especially in Kampung Jawa, were completely destroyed. Most of the rest of the western coast, and outlying islands, were severely damaged, and many towns were said to have completely disappeared. Other towns on Aceh's west coast hit by the disaster include Leupung, Lamno, Patek, Calang, Teunom, and Simeulue. Affected or destroyed towns on the region's north & east coast include Pidie, Samalanga, and Lhokseumawe. Location of Banda Aceh Devastation to Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra as a result of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Credit: DigitalGlobe) Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra at 5°31′N... Leupung -- also spelled Leupueng, is a town in the district (Kabupaten/Kota) of Aceh Besar, close to the city of Banda Aceh, the capital of the special territory of Aceh, Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra. ... Antoni Patek Antoni Norbert Patek (Franch:Antoine Norbert de Patek) (1811-1877) Polish-Swiss pioneer in watchmaking and a creator of Patek Philippe & Co. ... Categories: Indonesia geography stubs ... Teunom, a town in the Aceh Barat (West Aceh) district of the special territory (daerah istimewa) of Aceh on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, with a population of about 12,000, was reported to have vanished completely leaving only scattered shards of concrete as a result of the tsunami... Sumatra; Simeulue is near the left edge in the upper half Outline of Simeulue, with the epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake indicated The island and County of Simeulue lies in the Indian Ocean 150 km off the west coast of the province of Aceh on the island of...

As the area is rebuilt after the disaster, the government has proposed the creation of a two-kilometer buffer zone along low-lying coastal areas, within which permanent construction is not permitted. This proposal is unpopular among some local inhabitants, especially fishing families that are dependent on living near to the sea. A kilometre (American spelling: kilometer) (symbol: km) is a unit of length equal to 1000 metres (from the Greek words khilia = thousand and metro = count/measure). ... Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish. ...

Secession movement

Aceh has a long history of resistance to control by outside forces; since Indonesian independence, this has meant resistance to control by the national government in Jakarta. This resistance has both economic and sociocultural roots. Belligerent military occupation, occurs when one nations military garrisons occupy all or part of a foreign nation during an invasion (during or after a war). ... Motto: Jaya Raya (Indonesian): Prosper and Great Founded 22 June 1527 Governor Sutiyoso Area 661. ...

Many Acehnese people feel that most of the economic benefits of the region's great natural resources, especially oil, leave the region and benefit the Jakarta government and foreign corporations instead of the local area. Aceh possesses one of Indonesia's largest reserves of oil and natural gas. A number of multinational corporations, such as Exxon Mobil, maintain a presence in Aceh. Oil is a generic term for organic liquids that are not miscible with water. ... Natural gas (commonly referred to as gas in many countries, but note that gas is also an American and Canadian shortening of gasoline) is a gaseous fossil fuel consisting primarily of methane. ... A multinational corporation (MNC) or multinational enterprise (MNE) or transnational corporation (TNC) is an corporation/enterprise that manages production establishments located in at least two countries. ... Exxon Mobil Corporation or ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), headquartered in Irving, Texas, is an oil producer and distributor formed on November 30, 1999, by the merger of Exxon and Mobil. ...

The sociocultural divide between Aceh and the rest of Indonesia exists for several reasons. The Acehnese practice fully the teaching of Islam, while the rest of the archipelago tend to blend Islam with animism and local tradition, due to its historical trade links with the Middle East. The secular nationalism espoused by Suharto's New Order regime (1965-1998), which promoted 'Indonesian culture', was viewed by many Acehnese as merely a cover for Javanese chauvinism and a threat for their Islamic tradition. Islam (Arabic: ; ( (help· info)), the peaceful submission to the will of God) is a monotheistic faith, one of the Abrahamic religions and the worlds second-largest religion. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... General Haji Mohammad Soeharto (commonly spelled Suharto in the English-speaking world) (born June 8, 1921) was an Indonesian leader and military strongman. ...

This dissatisfaction has led to movements to push for greater autonomy or complete separation. It was out of these groups that the armed secessionists of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) emerged. Conflict between the GAM and Indonesian forces led to the province being subject to martial law and being named a "military operational zone" (DOM) by the Suharto government. An autonomous region or autonomous district is a subnational region with special powers of self-rule. ... ASNLF Flag The Free Aceh Movement (Indonesian: Gerakan Aceh Merdeka or simply GAM), also known as the Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF), is an armed separatist group seeking independence for the Aceh region on Sumatra from Indonesia. ...

After the Suharto regime fell in 1998, Aceh quieted down substantially leading to a 2002 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) between the GAM and the Indonesian military. This collapsed in May 2003, however, and the government introduced martial law and began a large-scale offensive in the region. In November 2003, martial law was extended for a further six months. According to a Human Rights Watch report [2], the Indonesian military committed widespread human rights abuses during the invasion and occupation, with more than 100,000 people being displaced in the first seven months of martial law and extra-judicial killings being common. 2002 (MMII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Human Rights Watch is an international left-wing non-governmental organization based in New York City, USA, that conducts advocacy and research on human rights issues. ... A human rights abuse is abuse of people in a way that violates any fundamental human rights. ...

After the devastating tsunami in December 2004, both sides declared a cease-fire and reiterated the need to resolve the conflict. However, sporadic armed clashes continue to occur throughout the province. Because of the separatist movement in the area, the Indonesian government has had access restrictions in place on the press and aid workers. The Indonesian government has, however, opened the region up to international relief efforts. ← - 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → Deaths in December • 30 Artie Shaw • 29 Julius Axelrod • 28 Jacques Dupuis • 28 Jerry Orbach • 28 Susan Sontag • 26 Reggie White • 26 Sir Angus Ogilvy • 23 P. V. Narasimha Rao • 23 Doug Ault • 19 Renata Tebaldi • 16...

The administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, inaugurated in late 2004, has also expressed a somewhat greater willingness to negotiate with rebel forces in the aftermath of the disaster. Yudhoyono has suggested the possibility of further increased autonomy for the region, and of amnesty for former rebels. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (born September 9, 1949), Indonesian retired military general and stateman, is the sixth President of Indonesia, and the first to be elected directly by voters. ... Amnesty (from the Greek amnestia, oblivion) is an act of justice by which the supreme power in a state restores those who may have been guilty of any offence against it to the position of innocent persons. ...

In 2005 peace talks held in Finland have resulted in a peace agreement that would end the long war in Aceh. Treaty was signed in Helsinki on August 15 2005. EU and five Southeast Asian countries will send 250 observers to ensure peace in the region. It remains to be seen if this peace treaty will be effective as fighting has continued during the peace talks, however in December 2005, the military wing of GAM was formally disbanded as a fighting force while at the same time, the final pull out of Jakarta troops took place, leaving in place in Aceh a military force composed of "organic" (i.e. indigenous Achinese) troops. Although Indonesian law bans solely regional parties contesting elections, even at a regional level, as part of the peace agreement, the Jakarta government has agreed to modify legislation which will allow GAM - a purely Achinese organisation - to contest elections on a provincial level. By end 2005, these proposed legislative modifications had not yet been implemented. 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Province Southern Finland Region Uusimaa Sub-region Helsinki City manager Jussi Pajunen Official languages Finnish, Swedish Area  - total  - land ranked 342nd 185. ... August 15 is the 227th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (228th in leap years), with 138 days remaining. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ...

Administration

Within the Republic of Indonesia, Aceh is governed not as a province but as a special territory (daerah istimewa), an administrative designation intended to give the area increased autonomy from the central government in Jakarta. Motto: Jaya Raya (Indonesian): Prosper and Great Founded 22 June 1527 Governor Sutiyoso Area 661. ...

The capital and largest city in Aceh is Banda Aceh, located on the coast near the northern tip of Sumatra. Other major cities include Sabang, Lhokseumawe, and Langsa. Administratively, the province is subdivided into seventeen regencies and four municipalities. Location of Banda Aceh Devastation to Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra as a result of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Credit: DigitalGlobe) Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra at 5°31′N... A regency (kabupaten) is a political subdivision of a province in Indonesia. ...

These local political subdivisions are Aceh Barat (West Aceh), Aceh Barat Daya, Aceh Besar, Aceh Jaya, Aceh Singkil, Aceh Selatan (South Aceh), Aceh Tenggara (Southeast Aceh), Aceh Timur (East Aceh), Aceh Tengah (Central Aceh), Aceh Utara (North Aceh), Bireun, Banda Aceh, Gayo Lues, Langsa, Lhokseumawe, Pidie, Sabang, Simeulue Island (formerly part of Aceh Barat), Nagan Raya, Aceh Tamiang, and Bener Meriah. Aceh Barat, or West Barat, is a district of the special territory of Aceh on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. ... Aceh Besar is a district of the special territory of Aceh on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. ... Aceh Jaya is a district of the special territory of Aceh on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. ... Located on the Indonesian Island of Sumatra, or Sumatera, Bireun is 105 miles east of the local capital, Banda Aceh. ... Location of Banda Aceh Devastation to Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra as a result of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (Credit: DigitalGlobe) Banda Aceh is the provincial capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, located on the island of Sumatra at 5°31′N... Sumatra; Simeulue is near the left edge in the upper half Outline of Simeulue, with the epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake indicated The island and County of Simeulue lies in the Indian Ocean 150 km off the west coast of the province of Aceh on the island of...

Some local areas are pushing to create new autonomous areas, usually with the stated goal of enhancing local control over politics and development. In Aceh Singkil regency, there is a demand to establish the municipality of Subulussalam and in the town of Pidie, around eight districts are seeking to develop a new regency which will be named Meuredu or Pidie Jaya.

Ethnic and cultural groups

Aceh is a diverse region occupied by several ethnic and language groups. The major ethnic groups are the Acehnese (who are distributed throughout Aceh), Gayo (in Aceh Tengah and some parts of Aceh Timur, Bener Meriah and Gayo Lues); Alas (in Aceh Tenggara); Tamiang (in Aceh Tamiang); Aneuk Jamee (concentrated in Aceh Selatan and Aceh Barat Daya); Kluet (in Aceh Selatan); Nieh (in Pulau Banyak and Simeulue) and Simeulue (on Simeulue Island). The Achinese (also Acehnese) a people in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in Indonesia. ... Sumatra; Simeulue is near the left edge in the upper half Outline of Simeulue, with the epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake indicated The island and County of Simeulue lies in the Indian Ocean 150 km off the west coast of the province of Aceh on the island of...

Aceh language (Basa Aceh) is widely spoken within Acehnese population. This language is different from Malay group of languages, eventhough nowadays a lot of Malay words were assimilated. Basa Aceh had also been enriched by Arabic and traditionally was written using Arabic script. Basa Aceh is also used as local language by Malays in Langkat and Asahan (North Sumatera), and Kedah (Malaysia), and once dominated Pulau Pinang. Alas and Kluet languages are believed to be from the same language which developed into different dialect. Jamee language was originated from Minang language in Western Sumatra, with just a few variation and differences.

The region also has a substantial population of Arab and Turkish descent. There is small group of Western European descendants who live in Kecamatan Jaya, Aceh Jaya. Many of them have blonde hair, white skin and blue eyes. They are the descendants of Portuguese soldiers and settlers who occupied a section of Daya (Lamno) area in 16th century, and later converted to Islam and assimilated with the local population. They live with Acehnese traditions and only speak Achinese and Indonesian.[3] The Arabs (Arabic: عرب ʻarab) are a large and heterogeneous ethnic group found throughout the Middle East and North Africa, originating in the Arabian Peninsula of southwest Asia. ... Aceh Jaya is a district of the special territory of Aceh on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. ... The Achinese language is spoken in Aceh and on the northern and southern coasts around the tip of Sumatra, Indonesia. ...

Achinese people themselves will proudly claim that Aceh stands for Arab; Chinese; European; Hindu, and are proud of the level of integration of the various representative indigenous groups.

Further reading and external links

• MCIA aCehpO Media Center Informaations of Aceh (MCIA) aCehpO
• The Acheh Times The Acheh News Frontline
• Aceh.Net Aceh Culture and Heritage Guide for Visitors
• Aceh Relief Fund Striving for a better Aceh
• Official website (In Indonesian)
• Free Aceh Movement @ globalsecurity.org
• Siegel, James T. 2000. The rope of God. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. ISBN 0472086820
  • A classic ethnographic and historical study of Aceh, and Islam in the region. Originally published in 1969.
• Building Human Security in Indonesia—Overview of the conflict from the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research, Harvard University, USA.
• Serambi, Aceh Dailynews
• Aceh Sample Language at Language Museum
• Aceh Institute Independent Research Institute in Aceh
• AcehKids.org Kids Literacy Project, Community Library Development in Aceh
• Media Center Aceh - Aliansi Jurnalis Independen (still in Indonesian) Guiding for Journalist or Media

Ethnography (from the Greek ethnos = nation and graphein = writing) refers to the qualitative description of human social phenomena, based on fieldwork. ...

Provinces of Indonesia

Sumatra (Sumatera) DI Aceh | North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara) | West Sumatra (Sumatera Barat) | Bengkulu | Riau | Riau Islands (Kepulauan Riau) | Jambi | South Sumatra (Sumatera Selatan) | Lampung | Bangka-Belitung Java (Jawa) DKI Jaya | West Java (Jawa Barat) | Banten | Central Java (Jawa Tengah) | DI Yogyakarta | East Java (Jawa Timur) Kalimantan West Kalimantan (Kalimantan Barat) | Central Kalimantan (Kalimantan Tengah) | South Kalimantan (Kalimantan Selatan) | East Kalimantan (Kalimantan Timur) The Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara) Bali | West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat) | East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur) Sulawesi West Sulawesi (Sulawesi Barat) | North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara) | Central Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tengah) | South Sulawesi (Sulawesi Selatan) | South East Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara) | Gorontalo The Maluku Islands and New Guinea (Irian) Maluku | North Maluku (Maluku Utara) | West Irian Jaya (Irian Jaya Barat) | Papua