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Influential Acehnese Individuals: The Top 10 Names to Know

4 min read January 23, 2024

Aceh, located at the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, is home to a rich and diverse culture. The Acehnese people, who make up the majority of the population, have produced a number of notable celebrities and notable people who have made significant contributions to various fields including politics, entertainment, sports, and academia.

  • Tengku Muhammad Hasan di Tiro (1836-1891): A prominent Acehnese leader who led the resistance against Dutch colonialism in the late 19th century.
  • Cut Nyak Dhien (1848-1908): A female Acehnese warrior who fought against the Dutch during the Aceh War.
  • Teuku Umar (1854-1899): A renowned Acehnese military leader who fought against the Dutch during the Aceh War.
  • Muhammad Hasan (1910-1956): The first Governor of Aceh after Indonesian independence.
  • Ibrahim Hasan (1927-2006): A prominent Indonesian politician and diplomat who held various ministerial positions and served as the Vice President of Indonesia from 1976 to 1983.
  • Aini Shalaby (born 1979): An Egyptian-American actress best known for her role in the 2007 film “The Visitor”.
  • Cut Meyriska (born 1993): An Indonesian actress known for her roles in soap operas and films such as “Catatan Hati Seorang Istri” and “Anugerah Cinta”.
  • Rian D’Masiv (born 1987): The lead vocalist of the Indonesian rock band D’Masiv.
  • Fikar Azmi (born 1986): An Indonesian footballer who plays for the Indonesian national team and Persib Bandung.
  • Safrudin Tahar (born 1988): An Indonesian badminton player who won a bronze medal in the men’s doubles event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Aceh ( AH-chay, Indonesian: [aˈtʃɛ(h)] ; Acehnese: Acèh [atʃeh], Jawoë: اچيه), officially the Province of Aceh (Indonesian: Provinsi Aceh, Acehnese: Nanggroë Acèh, Jawoë: نڠڬرواي اچيه), is the westernmost province of Indonesia. It is located on the northern end of Sumatra island, with Banda Aceh being its capital and largest city. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west, Strait of Malacca to the northeast, as well bordering the province of North Sumatra to the east, and shares maritime borders with Malaysia and Thailand to the east, Maldives, British Indian Ocean Territory of the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka to the west, Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India and Myanmar to the north. Granted a special autonomous status, Aceh is a religiously conservative territory and the only Indonesian province practicing the Sharia law officially. There are ten indigenous ethnic groups in this region, the largest being the Acehnese people, accounting for approximately 70% of the region's population. Aceh is where the spread of Islam in Indonesia began, and was a key factor of the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia. Islam reached Aceh (Kingdoms of Fansur and Lamuri) around 1250 AD. In the early 17th century the Sultanate of Aceh was the most wealthy, powerful and cultivated state in the Malacca Straits region. Aceh has a history of political independence and resistance to control by outsiders, including the former Dutch colonists and later the Indonesian government. Aceh has substantial natural resources of oil and natural gas. Aceh was the closest point of land to the epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which devastated much of the western coast of the province. Approximately 170,000 Indonesians were killed or went missing in the disaster. The disaster helped precipitate the peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and the separatist group of Free Aceh Movement.

Most Famous Acehnese People

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Acehnese Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Acehnese community is a vibrant and diverse group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, the land of Aceh has a history that dates back centuries. Through its fascinating history, the Acehnese community has inherited a number of traditions and customs, three of which stand out as particularly significant.

1. Islamic Legacy

The Acehnese community is predominantly Muslim, and Islam has played a central role in shaping their culture and identity. Aceh is known as the ‘Verandah of Mecca’ due to its strong adherence to Islamic principles and beautiful Islamic architecture. The Acehnese people have a deep respect for religious customs and practices, with mosques serving as important social and cultural centers in the community.

2. Traditional Dance and Music

Aceh is renowned for its vibrant traditional dances and music. Acehnese dance forms, such as the Saman dance, are characterized by intricate hand movements and dynamic choreography. Traditional musical instruments, including the Rapa’i and the Serune Kalee, are commonly used in Acehnese performances. These art forms preserve the community’s historical and cultural narratives, providing a colorful glimpse into the past.

3. Acehnese Cuisine

Acehnese cuisine is a delectable fusion of flavors influenced by its geographic location and historical interactions with other cultures. The community is famous for its aromatic dishes, such as Nasi Goreng Aceh (Aceh-style fried rice) and Mie Aceh (Aceh noodles). The use of spices, such as turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass, adds a distinctive taste to Acehnese dishes, making them a culinary delight.

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Additional Inheritances:

  • Acehnese traditional clothing, including the kebaya, baju kaftan, and songket, showcase intricate craftsmanship and are worn for special occasions and ceremonies.
  • The Acehnese language, which is part of the Aceh-Chamic language group, is spoken by the community and contributes to their unique cultural identity.
  • Traditional games and sports, such as sepak takraw (a form of footvolley) and meudee bupiah (a coin-flipping game), have been passed down through generations and continue to be enjoyed.

The Acehnese community continues to celebrate and preserve these historical inheritances, ensuring that their rich cultural traditions live on for future generations to embrace and cherish.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Balinese, Banjarese and Bantenese roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About Acehnese People

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Ethnicity Population Province Main Region
Acehnese 4,200,000 Aceh Sumatra
The Acehnese (also written as Atjehnese and Achinese) are an indigenous ethnic group from Aceh, Indonesia on the northernmost tip of the island of Sumatra. The area has a history of political struggle against the Dutch colonial rule. The vast majority of the Acehnese people are Muslims. The Acehnese people are also referred to by other names such as Lam Muri, Lambri, Akhir, Achin, Asji, A-tse and Atse. Their language, Acehnese, belongs to the Aceh–Chamic group of Malayo-Polynesian of the Austronesian language family. The Acehnese were at one time partially Hinduised, as evident from their traditions and the many Sanskrit words in their language. They have been Muslims for several centuries and are generally considered one of the most conservative Muslim ethnic group in Indonesia with the implementation of Sharia law in their home province of Aceh. The estimated number of Acehnese ranges between 3,526,000 people and at least 4.2 million people.Traditionally, there have been many Acehnese agriculturists, metal-workers and weavers. Traditionally matrilocal, their social organisation is communal. They live in gampôngs, which combine to form districts known as mukims. The golden era of Acehnese culture began in the 16th century, along with the rise of the Islamic Aceh Sultanate and later reaching its peak in the 17th century. Generally, the Acehnese people are regarded as strict adherents to the Islamic faith and also as militant fighters against the colonial conquest of the Portuguese Empire and the Dutch Empire.Aceh came to international attention as being the hardest-hit region of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake with 120,000 people dead.

The Ancient Heritage of Acehnese Ethnic Groups

References to the Acehnese Ethnic Group

Here are some references and resources to learn more about the Acehnese ethnic group:

  • Encyclopedia Britannica – Acehnese: This comprehensive article provides an overview of the history, culture, language, and demographic features of the Acehnese ethnic group. It also discusses their traditional social structure and religious practices.
  • Every Culture – Acehnese: This resource offers an in-depth exploration of the Acehnese people, their history, language, religion, and traditional customs. It delves into their traditional dress, architecture, and cuisine as well.
  • Achinese Timeline: This website provides a timeline of the history of Aceh and the Acehnese people, starting from prehistoric times up to present-day. It covers significant events and highlights the cultural and political developments in the region.
  • WorldAtlas – The Culture of Aceh: This article focuses on the cultural aspects of the Acehnese people, such as their traditional music, dance, visual arts, and literature. It explores the importance of Islam in Aceh and its influence on the local culture.
  • The Acehnese Ethnic Identity in Indonesia: Power Struggles in Identity Constructions: This academic paper offers an in-depth analysis of the Acehnese ethnic identity within the Indonesian context. It examines the power dynamics involved in identity construction and the influence of historical, political, and cultural factors.
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These resources will provide a solid foundation for understanding the Acehnese ethnic group, their history, culture, and contemporary issues they face today.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.

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Syarif Muhamad

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