Difference between revisions of "Aceh" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Aceh''' ([[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA pronunciation]]: {{IPA|[ʔaˈtɕɛh]}}, pronounced approximately ''AH-chay'', but with [e], not [ei] at the end) is a [[Provinces of Indonesia|special territory]] (''daerah istimewa'') of [[Indonesia]], located on the northern tip of the island of [[Sumatra]]. Its full name is '''Nanggröe Aceh Darussalam'''. Past spellings of its name include ''Acheh'', ''Atjeh'' and ''Achin''.
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'''Aceh''' pronounced ''AH-chay'', is a [[Provinces of Indonesia|special territory]] (''daerah istimewa'') of [[Indonesia]], located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Its full name is '''Nanggröe Aceh Darussalam'''. Past spellings of its name include ''Acheh'', ''Atjeh'' and ''Achin''.
  
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In the past, Aceh was known for its political [[independence]] and fierce resistance to control by outsiders, including the former [[Netherlands|Dutch]] colonists and the Indonesian government. From [[1976]] until the tsunami in [[2004]], Aceh was torn by a [[separatist]] conflict waged by the [[Free Aceh Movement]] against the [[Jakarta]] government rooted in issues over control of resources, and over cultural and religious issues. Aceh has substantial [[natural resource]]s, including [[petroleum|oil]] and [[LPG|gas]] - some estimates put Aceh gas reserves as being the largest in the world. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a [[religious]]ly [[conservative]] area.  
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In the past, Aceh was known for its political independence and fierce resistance to control by outsiders. From 1976 until the tsunami in 2004, Aceh was torn by a separatist conflict waged by the Free Aceh Movement against the [[Jakarta]] government over control of resources, and over cultural and religious issues. Aceh has substantial natural resources, including petroleum and LPG gas. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a [[religious]]ly [[conservative]] area.  
  
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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 part of the capital of [[Banda Aceh]]. From 130,000 - 238,000 persons were dead or missing, with a further 500,000 plus being made homeless. This led to a [[peace agreement]] between the government of Indonesia and GAM, mediated by former [[Finland|Finnish]] president [[Martti Ahtisaari]], with the signing of a [[Memorandum of understanding|MoU]] on [[August 15]], 2005. As of February [[2006]], the peace has held.
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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, including part of the capital of Banda Aceh. This led to a peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and GAM, signed on August 15, 2005.  
  
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== History ==
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==Geography==
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[[Islam]] first entered [[Southeast Asia]] through Aceh in the [[8th century]]. The first Islamic Kingdom of Peureulak was established around [[850]] AD in what is today East Aceh district with Banda Khalifah as its [[capital]]. Then follows Samudra Pasai (from which the name Sumatara derives) in what is today North Aceh district, which was recorded by [[Marco Polo]] and [[Ibn Batutah]] during the reign of Sultan Malik uz Zahir.
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[[Aceh]]'s climate is almost entirely tropical, with the coastal plains averaging 28 °C, the inland and mountain areas averaging 26 °C, and the higher mountain regions, 23°C. The area's relative humidity ranges between 70 and 90 percent. There is a dry season (June to September), influenced by the Australian continental air masses, and a rainy season (December to March) that is the result of mainland Asia and Pacific Ocean air masses. Western Sumatra has rainfall measuring more than 2000 millimeters per year.
  
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The Kingdom of Aceh was established initially as a small [[Islam]]ic kingdom in what is today [[Banda Aceh ]] during the [[12th century]] AD. During its golden era, its territory and political influence expanded as far as Satun in southern [[Thailand]], [[Johor]] in [[Malay Peninsula]], and Siak in what is today [[Riau]] province. From the beginning of the [[16th century]], the Sultanate of Aceh was involved in an almost continuous power struggle first with [[Portugal]], then, from the [[18th century]], against [[Great Britain|British]] and [[Netherlands|Dutch]] colonial interests. At the end of the [[18th century]], Aceh had to give up its traditional territory of [[Kedah]] and Pinang on the Malay Peninsula to the British.
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Banda Aceh, the capital, which lies at the mouth of the Krong Aceh and Krong Daroy rivers where they enter the Indian Ocean, is the administrative and trading centre of this mountainous region. The main local agricultural product is rice. Petroleum and natural gas, which Sumatra is rich in, is exported through Banda Aceh.
  
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By the early nineteenth century, however, Aceh had become an increasingly influential power due to its strategic location for controlling regional trade. In the [[1820]]s it was the producer of over half the world's supply of [[black pepper]]. The pepper trade produced new wealth for the sultanate, but also for the rulers of many smaller nearby ports that had been under Aceh's control, but were now able to assert more [[independence]]. These changes initially threatened Aceh's integrity, but a new sultan [[Tuanku Ibrahim]], who controlled the kingdom from [[1838]] to [[1870]], aggressively, and successfully, reasserted power over nearby ports.<ref name="ricklefs2001p185">Ricklefs, M.C. (2001) ''A history of modern Indonesia since c.1200''. Stanford: Stanford University Press. p185-188.</ref>
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Natural hazards include occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, and forest fires
  
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Under the [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824]] the British ceded their colonial possessions on Sumatra to the Dutch. In the treaty, the British described Aceh as one of their possessions, although they had no actual control over the sultanate. Initially, under the agreement the Dutch agreed to respect Aceh's independence. In [[1871]], however, the British dropped previous opposition to a Dutch invasion of Aceh, possibly to prevent [[France]] or the [[United States]] from gaining a foothold in the region. Although neither the Dutch nor the British knew the specifics, there had been rumors since the [[1850]]s that Aceh had been in communication with rulers of France and of the [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="ricklefs2001p185"/>
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==History==
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An ancient name for Sumatra was ''Swarna Dwipa'', ([[Sanskrit]] for ''Isle of Gold''), apparently based on the fact that mines in the Sumatran highlands were exporting gold from fairly early times.
  
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=== The Aceh War ===
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With its location in the [[India]]-[[China]] sea trade route, several trading towns flourished, especially in the eastern coast, and were influenced by Indian religions. The most notable of these were the [[Srivijaya]] and the Sumudra. Srivijaya was a Buddhist monarchy centered in what is now [[Palembang]]. Dominating the region through trade and conquest throughout the 7th&ndash;9th century, the kingdom helped spread the [[Malay people|Malay]] culture throughout Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, and western Borneo. The empire was thalassocratic, a maritime power that extended its influence from island to island.
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The Dutch colonial government [[declaration of war|declared war]] on Aceh on [[26 March]] [[1873]]; the apparent immediate trigger for their invasion was discussions between representatives of Aceh and the [[United States]] in [[Singapore]] during early [[1873]].<ref name="ricklefs2001p185"/> An expedition under Major General 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. 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 Grand Mosque of Banda Aceh). Köhler made some grave tactical errors and the reputation of the Dutch was severely harmed.  
 
  
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A second expedition 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, and rather than continuing the war, they now concentrated on defending areas they already controlled, which were mostly limited to the capital city (modern [[Banda Aceh]]), and the [[harbour]] town of Ulee Lheue. On [[13 October]] [[1880]] the colonial government declared the war as over, but continued spending heavily to maintain control over the areas it occupied.
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Srivijaya influence waned in the 11th century. The island was then subject to conquests from Javanese kingdoms, first [[Singhasari]] and subsequently [[Majapahit]]. At the same time, Islam made its way to Sumatra, spreading through contacts with Arabs and Indian traders.
  
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War began again in [[1883]], when the British ship ''Nisero'' was stranded in Aceh, in an area where the Dutch had little influence. 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 [[hostage]]s, 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.  
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By the late 13th century, the monarch of Samudra kingdom (now in [[Aceh]]) had converted to Islam. [[Ibn Battuta]], who visited the kingdom during his journey, pronounced the kingdom "Sumatra", hence the name of the island. Samudra was succeeded by the powerful [[Aceh Sultanate]], which survived to the 20th century.  
  
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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).
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From the beginning of the [[16th century]], the Sultanate of Aceh was involved in an almost continuous power struggle first with [[Portugal]], then, from the [[18th century]], against [[Great Britain|British]] and [[Netherlands|Dutch]] colonial interests. At the end of the [[18th century]], Aceh had to give up its traditional territory of [[Kedah]] and Pinang on the Malay Peninsula to the British.
  
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By the early nineteenth century, however, Aceh had become an increasingly influential power due to its strategic location for controlling regional trade. In the [[1820]]s it was the producer of over half the world's supply of [[black pepper]]. The pepper trade produced new wealth for the sultanate, but also for the rulers of many smaller nearby ports that had been under Aceh's control, but were now able to assert more independence.
 
[[Image:Atjeh-slagveld.jpg|thumb|250px|An Aceh fort after capture by the Dutch in a 1901 photograph]]
 
[[Image:Atjeh-slagveld.jpg|thumb|250px|An Aceh fort after capture by the Dutch in a 1901 photograph]]
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In 1819 the British government acquired exclusive trading privileges with the sultanate, but a subsequent Anglo-Dutch agreement (1824) made the sultanate virtually a protectorate of the Netherlands. Local resistance to Dutch control culminated in a long and bitter conflict (1873-1908). Estimated total casualties on the Aceh side range from 50,000 to 100,000 dead, and over a million wounded.
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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).
 
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In [[1892]] and [[1893]] Aceh remained independent, despite the Dutch efforts. Major [[J.B. van Heutsz]], a colonial military leader, then wrote a series of articles on Aceh. He was supported by Dr [[Snouck Hurgronje]] of the [[University of Leiden]], then the leading Dutch expert on Islam. Hurgronje managed to get the confidence of many Aceh leaders and gathered valuable [[intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]] for the Dutch government. His works remained an official secret for many years. In Hurgronje's analysis of Acehnese society, he minimised the role of the Sultan and argued that attention should be paid to the hereditary chiefs, the ''Ulee Balang'', who he felt could be trusted as local administrators. However, he argued, Aceh's religious leaders, the [[ulema]], could not be trusted or persuaded to cooperate, and must be destroyed.
 
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This advice was followed: in [[1898]] Van Heutsz was proclaimed [[governor]] of Aceh, and with his lieutenant, later [[Prime Minister of the Netherlands|Dutch Prime Minister]] [[Hendrikus Colijn]], would finally conquer most of Aceh. They followed Hurgronje's suggestions, finding cooperative ''uleebelang'' that would support them in the countryside. 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]] most of Aceh was under Dutch control, and had an indigenous government that cooperated with the colonial state. Estimated total casualties on the Aceh side range from 50,000 to 100,000 dead, and over a million wounded.
 
  
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Colonial influence in the remote [[highland]] areas was never substantial, however, and limited [[guerrilla]] resistance remained. Lead mostly by the religious [[ulema]], intermittent fighting continued until about [[1910]], and parts of the province were still not pacified when the Dutch Indies became independent [[Indonesia]] following the end of the Japanese occupation of Indonesia.
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Colonial influence in the remote highland areas was never substantial, however, and limited [[guerrilla]] resistance remained. Lead mostly by the religious ulema, intermittent fighting continued until about 1910, and parts of the province were still not pacified when the Dutch Indies became independent [[Indonesia]] following the end of the Japanese occupation of Indonesia.
  
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=== Independence===
 
 
[[Image:Banda Aceh's Grand Mosque, Indonesia.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Banda Aceh's Grand Mosque. A noted landmark of Aceh]]
 
[[Image:Banda Aceh's Grand Mosque, Indonesia.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Banda Aceh's Grand Mosque. A noted landmark of Aceh]]
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During the [[Indonesian National Revolution]] after [[World War II]], when the Dutch military attempted to regain control of [[Dutch East Indies|its former colony]], Dutch forces did not attempt to invade Aceh.<ref name="ricklefs2001p185"/> Upon independence, Indonesian troops were dispatched to [[annexation|annex]] the region, causing resentment over what some Acehnese viewed as foreign occupation by forces from [[Java (island)|Java]]. From then until the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|Tsunami]], there were periodic armed conflicts between the [[Indonesian military]] and local forces fighing for greater separation from the central government.
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During the [[Indonesian National Revolution]] after [[World War II]], when the Dutch military attempted to regain control of [[Dutch East Indies|its former colony]], Dutch forces did not attempt to invade Aceh.  Upon independence, Indonesian troops were dispatched to [[annexation|annex]] the region, causing resentment over what some Acehnese viewed as foreign occupation by forces from [[Java (island)|Java]]. From then until the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|Tsunami]], there were periodic armed conflicts between the [[Indonesian military]] and local forces fighing for greater separation from the central government.
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In [[1959]] the Indonesian government yielded in part and gave Aceh a "special territory" (''daerah istimewa'') status, giving it a greater degree of [[Wiktionary:autonomy|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. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2816785.stm]
 
  
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===Tsunami disaster===
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In 1959 the Indonesian government yielded in part and gave Aceh a "special territory" (''daerah istimewa'') status, giving it a greater degree of 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.
 
[[Image:Sumatra devastation1.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Tsunami has left a devastating effect in Aceh.]]
 
[[Image:Sumatra devastation1.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Tsunami has left a devastating effect in Aceh.]]
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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.  
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On 26 December, 2004, the western coast and islands of Sumatra, particularly [[Aceh]] province, were devastated by a nearly 15 metre high tsunami following the 9.0-magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake. While estimates vary, approximately 230,000 people were killed in Aceh, and about 400,000 were left homeless. While parts of Banda Aceh were unscathed, the areas closest to the water, especially in Kampung Jawa, were completely destroyed.
  
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The population of Aceh before Dec 2004 tsunami was 4.271 million (Data from KPU (General Election Committee) in 2004). The population now is 4,031,589 (As [[September 15]], [[2005]]), almost two percent of the Indonesian population.
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In 2005 there was an 8.7 magnitude aftershock of the previous earthquake in December 2004. In addition to the [[subduction]] [[megathrust earthquake]] off the west coast, Sunda arc, the Great Sumatran Fault, a [[transform fault]], runs the entire length of the island. The pressure on this fault increased dramatically after the December 2004 earthquake, and seismologists are afraid an earthquake is going to occur soon. The geologic fault ends directly below the devastated city of Banda Aceh.
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[[Image:2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake relief2.jpg|thumb|250px|Indonesian refugees gather under an approaching helicopter to receive food and supplies.]]
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As of February [[2006]], more than a year after the tsunami, a large number of people are still living in barrack-style temporary living centers (TLC) or [[tent]]s. [[Reconstruction]] is visible everywhere, but due to the sheer scale of the disaster, logistical issues, and the lack of funding, progress is slow.
 
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Most Acehnese however, are very optimistic for the future. Many see the tsunami as a mixed blessing, bringing peace and an international presence to Aceh. As homes are being built and peoples' basic needs are met, the people are also looking to improve the quality of [[education]], increase tourism, and develop responsible, sustainable industry. Well-qualified educators are in high demand in Aceh.
 
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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 completely disappeared. Other towns on Aceh's west coast hit by the disaster include [[Leupung]], Lamno, [[Patek]], [[Calang]], [[Teunom]], and the island of [[Simeulue]]. Affected or destroyed towns on the region's north & east coast include [[Pidie]], [[Samalanga]], and [[Lhokseumawe]].  
 
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The area is slowly being rebuilt after the disaster. The government initially proposed the creation of a two-[[kilometer]] [[buffer zone]] along low-lying coastal areas, within which permanent construction is not permitted. This proposal was unpopular among some local inhabitants and proved impractical in most situations, especially [[fishing]] families that are dependent on living near to the [[sea]].
 
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Most of the [[reconstruction]] work is being performed by local people using a mix of traditional methods and partial prefabricated structures, with funding coming from many international organizations and individuals, governments, and the people themselves.
 
  
 
== Secession movement ==
 
== Secession movement ==
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[[Image:2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake relief2.jpg|thumb|250px|Indonesian refugees gather under an approaching helicopter to receive food and supplies.]]
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Aceh has a long history of resistance to foreign control. Many Acehnese feel that most of the benefits of the region's petroleum, leave the region and benefit the Jakarta government and foreign corporations. There is a sociocultural divide between Aceh and the rest of Indonesia — the Acehnese practice [[Islam]], while the rest of the archipelago tend to blend Islam with [[animism]] and Aceh has traded with the [[Middle East]] for centuries. The secular nationalism of Suharto's New Order regime (1965-1998) was viewed as a cover for Javanese chauvinism.  
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Aceh has a long history of resistance to [[Belligerent occupation|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.
 
  
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Many Acehnese people feel that most of the economic benefits of the region's great natural resources, especially [[Petroleum|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 corporation]]s, such as [[Exxon Mobil]], maintain a presence in Aceh.
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Groups began to push for greater autonomy or complete separation. Out of these groups emerged the armed secessionists of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Conflict between the GAM and Indonesian forces led to the province being subject to martial law.  
  
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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 [[Islam]]ic tradition.  
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A Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) between the GAM and the Indonesian military was signed in 2002. This collapsed in May 2003, however, and the government introduced martial law and began a large-scale offensive. Widespread human rights abuses were alleged 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.
  
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This dissatisfaction has led to movements to push for greater [[Autonomous region|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" by the Suharto's government.  
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After the tsunami in December 2004, a cease-fire was declared. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed willingness to negotiate with rebel forces, and suggested the possibility of further increased autonomy for the region, and of amnesty for former rebels.
  
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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 [http://hrw.org/reports/2003/indonesia1203/5.htm#_Toc58915047], 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.
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A treaty was signed in [[Helsinki]] on August 15, 2005. The European Union and five [[Southeast Asia]]n countries sent 250 observers. In December 2005, the military wing of GAM was formally disbanded, and the final pull-out of Jakarta troops took place. The Jakarta government has agreed to allow GAM - a purely Acehnese organisation - to contest elections on a provincial level. Since February 2006, there has been a steady peace in Aceh.
  
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After the devastating tsunami in [[December 2004]], both sides declared a cease-fire and reiterated the need to resolve the conflict. Because of the past separatist movement in the area, the Indonesian government used to have access restrictions in place on the press and aid workers. The Indonesian government has now, however, opened the region up to all [[tourist]]s and other visitors able to enter other parts of Indonesia.
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==Politics==
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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  from the central government in [[Jakarta]].
  
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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 [[Wiktionary:autonomy|autonomy]] for the region, and of [[amnesty]] for former [[rebel]]s.
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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.
  
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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 Asia]]n 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 Acehnese) troops.  
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Some local areas are pushing to create new autonomous areas, usually with the stated goal of enhancing local control over politics and development.
  
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Although Indonesian law bans solely regional parties contesting [[election]]s, 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 Acehnese organisation - to contest elections on a provincial level. As of February 2006, there has been a steady peace in Aceh.
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== Demographics ==
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The population of Aceh before the December 2004 tsunami was 4.271 million, but was recorded as 4,031,589 in 2005, almost two percent of the Indonesian population.
  
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== Administration ==
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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 central and eastern part), Alas (in southeastern), Tamiang (in Aceh Tamiang), Aneuk Jamee (concentrated in southern and southwestern), and Simeulue (on Simeulue Island). There is also a significant population of Chinese, who are influential in the business and financial communities.
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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 [[Wiktionary:autonomy|autonomy]] from the central government in [[Jakarta]].
 
  
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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 [[Regency (Indonesia)|regencies]] and four municipalities.
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The Acehnese language (''Basa Aceh'') is widely spoken within the Acehnese population. This is a member of the Aceh-Chamic group of languages, whose other representatives are mostly found in Vietnam and Cambodia, and is also closely related to the Malay group of languages. Basa Aceh has many words borrowed from Malay and [[Arabic]] and traditionally was written using Arabic script. Basa Aceh is also used as local language in Langkat and Asahan (North Sumatra), and Kedah (Malaysia), and once dominated Pulau Pinang. Alas and Kluet are closely related languages within the Batak group.  The Jamee language originated from Minang language in West Sumatra, with just a few variation and differences.
  
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Some local areas are pushing to create new autonomous areas, usually with the stated goal of enhancing local control over politics and development.
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A majority of people in Sumatra are [[Muslim]]s (90 percent). Most central Bataks, meanwhile, are Protestant Christians, the religion spread by the Dutch. The rest follow [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Catholicism]], and Chinese traditional beliefs.
  
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== Ethnic and Cultural groups ==
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Aceh was once a meeting point for people from many nations, and among the present day Acehnese can be found some individuals with blue eyes, as well as others of  [[Arab]], [[Turkey|Turkish]] and [[India]]n descent. Before the tsunami, the region of Daya (Lamno) area used to have an unsually high number of people with fair complexions, and local traditions attributed this to Portuguese ancestry.
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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 central and eastern part), Alas (in southeastern), Tamiang (in Aceh Tamiang), Aneuk Jamee (concentrated in southern and southwestern), and Simeulue (on [[Simeulue]] Island). There is also a significant population of [[Chinese Indonesian|Chinese]], who are influential in the business and financial communities.
 
  
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The [[Acehnese language]] (''Basa Aceh'') is widely spoken within the Acehnese population. This is a member of the [[Aceh-Chamic]] group of languages, whose other representatives are mostly found in Vietnam and Cambodia, and is also closely related to the [[Malay language|Malay]] group of languages.  Basa Aceh has many words borrowed from Malay and [[Arabic]] and traditionally was written using [[Jawi|Arabic script]]. Basa Aceh is also used as local language in Langkat and Asahan ([[North Sumatra]]), and Kedah (Malaysia), and once dominated Pulau Pinang. Alas and Kluet are closely related languages within the [[Batak]] group.  The Jamee language originated from [[Minangkabau|Minang language]] in [[West Sumatra]], with just a few variation and differences.
 
  
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Aceh was once a meeting point for people from many nations, and among the present day Acehnese can be found some individuals with blue eyes, as well as others of  [[Arab]], [[Turkey|Turkish]] and [[India]]n descent. Before the tsunami, the region of Daya (Lamno) area used to have an unsually high number of people with fair complexions, and local traditions attributed this to Portuguese ancestry. [http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/region/asiapacific/ino050214?view=Standard]
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== Economy ==
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Aceh possesses one of Indonesia's largest reserves of [[oil]] and [[natural gas]]. A number of [[multinational corporation]]s, such as [[Exxon Mobil]], maintain a presence in Aceh.
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==Culture==
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The culture of Aceh is basically Islamic, with Hindu and Buddhist influences remaining from before Islam arrived.
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At the age of seven, children start to learn Islamic prayers and begin to recite from the Koran (Al Qur'an). Communion with Allah can only be achieved through prayers five times a day. The title "Teungku (Tgk)" is given to prominent religious leader. Title "Tuanku" or "Sayed" and " Teuku (T)" is used descendants of important land owning families during the sultanate, and title  "Cut Nyak" or "Po Cut" and "Cut",are used for female of these families.  
  
 
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Revision as of 01:55, 23 July 2006

Nanggröe Aceh Darussalam
Logo Nad.jpg


Motto: Pancacita

IndonesiaAceh.png
Capital Banda Aceh
Governor Dr. Ir. Mustafa Abubakar, MSi
Population 4,010,860
Ethnic groups Acehnese, Gayo, Alas, Aneuk Jamee, Malay, Javanese, Kluet, Batak
Religion Islam (97.6%), Christianity (1.7%), Hindu (0.08%), Buddhism (0.55%)
Languages Acehnese, Indonesian
Time zone WIB (UTC+7)
Web site http://www.nad.go.id/

Aceh pronounced AH-chay, is a special territory (daerah istimewa) of Indonesia, located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Its full name is Nanggröe Aceh Darussalam. Past spellings of its name include Acheh, Atjeh and Achin.

In the past, Aceh was known for its political independence and fierce resistance to control by outsiders. From 1976 until the tsunami in 2004, Aceh was torn by a separatist conflict waged by the Free Aceh Movement against the Jakarta government over control of resources, and over cultural and religious issues. Aceh has substantial natural resources, including petroleum and LPG gas. Relative to most of Indonesia, it is a religiously conservative area.

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, including part of the capital of Banda Aceh. This led to a peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and GAM, signed on August 15, 2005.

Geography

Aceh's climate is almost entirely tropical, with the coastal plains averaging 28 °C, the inland and mountain areas averaging 26 °C, and the higher mountain regions, 23°C. The area's relative humidity ranges between 70 and 90 percent. There is a dry season (June to September), influenced by the Australian continental air masses, and a rainy season (December to March) that is the result of mainland Asia and Pacific Ocean air masses. Western Sumatra has rainfall measuring more than 2000 millimeters per year.

Banda Aceh, the capital, which lies at the mouth of the Krong Aceh and Krong Daroy rivers where they enter the Indian Ocean, is the administrative and trading centre of this mountainous region. The main local agricultural product is rice. Petroleum and natural gas, which Sumatra is rich in, is exported through Banda Aceh.

Natural hazards include occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, and forest fires

History

An ancient name for Sumatra was Swarna Dwipa, (Sanskrit for Isle of Gold), apparently based on the fact that mines in the Sumatran highlands were exporting gold from fairly early times.

With its location in the India-China sea trade route, several trading towns flourished, especially in the eastern coast, and were influenced by Indian religions. The most notable of these were the Srivijaya and the Sumudra. Srivijaya was a Buddhist monarchy centered in what is now Palembang. Dominating the region through trade and conquest throughout the 7th–9th century, the kingdom helped spread the Malay culture throughout Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, and western Borneo. The empire was thalassocratic, a maritime power that extended its influence from island to island.

Srivijaya influence waned in the 11th century. The island was then subject to conquests from Javanese kingdoms, first Singhasari and subsequently Majapahit. At the same time, Islam made its way to Sumatra, spreading through contacts with Arabs and Indian traders.

By the late 13th century, the monarch of Samudra kingdom (now in Aceh) had converted to Islam. Ibn Battuta, who visited the kingdom during his journey, pronounced the kingdom "Sumatra", hence the name of the island. Samudra was succeeded by the powerful Aceh Sultanate, which survived to the 20th century.

From the beginning of the 16th century, the Sultanate of Aceh was involved in an almost continuous power struggle first with Portugal, then, from the 18th century, against British and Dutch colonial interests. At the end of the 18th century, Aceh had to give up its traditional territory of Kedah and Pinang on the Malay Peninsula to the British.

By the early nineteenth century, however, Aceh had become an increasingly influential power due to its strategic location for controlling regional trade. In the 1820s it was the producer of over half the world's supply of black pepper. The pepper trade produced new wealth for the sultanate, but also for the rulers of many smaller nearby ports that had been under Aceh's control, but were now able to assert more independence.

An Aceh fort after capture by the Dutch in a 1901 photograph

In 1819 the British government acquired exclusive trading privileges with the sultanate, but a subsequent Anglo-Dutch agreement (1824) made the sultanate virtually a protectorate of the Netherlands. Local resistance to Dutch control culminated in a long and bitter conflict (1873-1908). Estimated total casualties on the Aceh side range from 50,000 to 100,000 dead, and over a million wounded.

Colonial influence in the remote highland areas was never substantial, however, and limited guerrilla resistance remained. Lead mostly by the religious ulema, intermittent fighting continued until about 1910, and parts of the province were still not pacified when the Dutch Indies became independent Indonesia following the end of the Japanese occupation of Indonesia.

Banda Aceh's Grand Mosque. A noted landmark of Aceh

During the Indonesian National Revolution after World War II, when the Dutch military attempted to regain control of its former colony, Dutch forces did not attempt to invade Aceh. Upon independence, Indonesian troops were dispatched to annex the region, causing resentment over what some Acehnese viewed as foreign occupation by forces from Java. From then until the Tsunami, there were periodic armed conflicts between the Indonesian military and local forces fighing for greater separation from the central government.

In 1959 the Indonesian government yielded in part and gave Aceh a "special territory" (daerah istimewa) status, giving it a greater degree of 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.

Tsunami has left a devastating effect in Aceh.

On 26 December, 2004, the western coast and islands of Sumatra, particularly Aceh province, were devastated by a nearly 15 metre high tsunami following the 9.0-magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake. While estimates vary, approximately 230,000 people were killed in Aceh, and about 400,000 were left homeless. While parts of Banda Aceh were unscathed, the areas closest to the water, especially in Kampung Jawa, were completely destroyed.

In 2005 there was an 8.7 magnitude aftershock of the previous earthquake in December 2004. In addition to the subduction megathrust earthquake off the west coast, Sunda arc, the Great Sumatran Fault, a transform fault, runs the entire length of the island. The pressure on this fault increased dramatically after the December 2004 earthquake, and seismologists are afraid an earthquake is going to occur soon. The geologic fault ends directly below the devastated city of Banda Aceh.

Indonesian refugees gather under an approaching helicopter to receive food and supplies.

Secession movement

Aceh has a long history of resistance to foreign control. Many Acehnese feel that most of the benefits of the region's petroleum, leave the region and benefit the Jakarta government and foreign corporations. There is a sociocultural divide between Aceh and the rest of Indonesia — the Acehnese practice Islam, while the rest of the archipelago tend to blend Islam with animism and Aceh has traded with the Middle East for centuries. The secular nationalism of Suharto's New Order regime (1965-1998) was viewed as a cover for Javanese chauvinism.

Groups began to push for greater autonomy or complete separation. Out of these groups emerged the armed secessionists of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Conflict between the GAM and Indonesian forces led to the province being subject to martial law.

A Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) between the GAM and the Indonesian military was signed in 2002. This collapsed in May 2003, however, and the government introduced martial law and began a large-scale offensive. Widespread human rights abuses were alleged 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.

After the tsunami in December 2004, a cease-fire was declared. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed willingness to negotiate with rebel forces, and suggested the possibility of further increased autonomy for the region, and of amnesty for former rebels.

A treaty was signed in Helsinki on August 15, 2005. The European Union and five Southeast Asian countries sent 250 observers. In December 2005, the military wing of GAM was formally disbanded, and the final pull-out of Jakarta troops took place. The Jakarta government has agreed to allow GAM - a purely Acehnese organisation - to contest elections on a provincial level. Since February 2006, there has been a steady peace in Aceh.

Politics

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 from the central government in Jakarta.

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.

Some local areas are pushing to create new autonomous areas, usually with the stated goal of enhancing local control over politics and development.

Demographics

The population of Aceh before the December 2004 tsunami was 4.271 million, but was recorded as 4,031,589 in 2005, almost two percent of the Indonesian population.

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 central and eastern part), Alas (in southeastern), Tamiang (in Aceh Tamiang), Aneuk Jamee (concentrated in southern and southwestern), and Simeulue (on Simeulue Island). There is also a significant population of Chinese, who are influential in the business and financial communities.

The Acehnese language (Basa Aceh) is widely spoken within the Acehnese population. This is a member of the Aceh-Chamic group of languages, whose other representatives are mostly found in Vietnam and Cambodia, and is also closely related to the Malay group of languages. Basa Aceh has many words borrowed from Malay and Arabic and traditionally was written using Arabic script. Basa Aceh is also used as local language in Langkat and Asahan (North Sumatra), and Kedah (Malaysia), and once dominated Pulau Pinang. Alas and Kluet are closely related languages within the Batak group. The Jamee language originated from Minang language in West Sumatra, with just a few variation and differences.

A majority of people in Sumatra are Muslims (90 percent). Most central Bataks, meanwhile, are Protestant Christians, the religion spread by the Dutch. The rest follow Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism, and Chinese traditional beliefs.

Aceh was once a meeting point for people from many nations, and among the present day Acehnese can be found some individuals with blue eyes, as well as others of Arab, Turkish and Indian descent. Before the tsunami, the region of Daya (Lamno) area used to have an unsually high number of people with fair complexions, and local traditions attributed this to Portuguese ancestry.


Economy

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.

Culture

The culture of Aceh is basically Islamic, with Hindu and Buddhist influences remaining from before Islam arrived.

At the age of seven, children start to learn Islamic prayers and begin to recite from the Koran (Al Qur'an). Communion with Allah can only be achieved through prayers five times a day. The title "Teungku (Tgk)" is given to prominent religious leader. Title "Tuanku" or "Sayed" and " Teuku (T)" is used descendants of important land owning families during the sultanate, and title "Cut Nyak" or "Po Cut" and "Cut",are used for female of these families.

External links

Provinces of Indonesia
Sumatra
Aceh · North Sumatra · West Sumatra · Bengkulu · Riau · Riau Islands · Jambi · South Sumatra · Lampung · Bangka-Belitung Islands
Flag of Indonesia
Java
Jakarta · West Java · Banten · Central Java · Yogyakarta · East Java
Kalimantan
West Kalimantan · Central Kalimantan · South Kalimantan · East Kalimantan
Lesser Sunda Islands
Bali · West Nusa Tenggara · East Nusa Tenggara
Sulawesi
West Sulawesi · North Sulawesi · Central Sulawesi · South Sulawesi · South East Sulawesi · Gorontalo
Maluku Islands and
New Guinea
Maluku · North Maluku · West Papua · Papua

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