Nangroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) Province
The Capital City of NAD Province is
“Banda Aceh”
Aceh, the most
western province of Indonesia, which is located between the Indian Ocean and
Malacca Strait, the Indonesian archipelago and the Malay Peninsula, is Indonesia’s
frontier. Aceh is at the northwestern end of Sumatera, the first to have come
into contact with the world outside. Width, 55.390 kilometers2
(2,88% width of Indonesia) including more than one hundred islands off shore
stretching along its western coast. Through the middle is the Bukit Barisan
Mountain range covered by dense rain forest with peaks at Geureundong (2,595
meters), Puet Sargoi (2,780 meters) Bumi Telong (2,566 meters), Ucop Molu
(3,187 meters), Abong – Abong (3,015 meters), Leuser (3,466 meters), Seulawah
Agam (1,782 meters), and Seulawah Inong (866 meters) from the sea surface.
Dating
back
Chinese chronicles
of as early as the sixth century spoke of a kingdom on the northern tip of
Sumatera named Po-li. Several Arabic writings of the early ninth century, and
later inscriptions found in India also mentioned the area. In 1292 Marco Polo,
the famous Venetian adventurer, on a voyage from China to Persia visited
Sumatera there were as many as six trading ports including Ferlec, Samudra and
Lambri.The irony is that this area, which had for so many centuries maintained
contact with others, is at present one of the least known of Indonesia, even
among Indonesians.Moslem is believed to have reached Aceh somewhere between the
seventh and eight centuries and the first Moslem kingdom, Perlak, was
established there. The others followed, Aceh in 1025, Samudra Pasai in 1042,
Tamiah in 1184 and Darusalam 1511.
When, in 1511, the
Portuguese captured Malacca, many Asian and Arabic traders sought to avoid the
Malacca Strait and called instead on Aceh’s ports, bringing wealth and
prosperity. Aceh’s dominance in trade and politics in the northern parts of
Sumatera began, reaching it’s zenith between 1610 and 1640.With the death of
Sultan Iskandar Thani in 1641, Aceh decline began. The British and Dutch began
to vie with each other for influence. In 1824 the London Treaty was signed,
giving the Dutch the control over all British possessions in Sumatera in return
for a Dutch surrender of establishments in India and an abrogation of all
claims on Singapore.
Banda Aceh, the
capital of Aceh and also it’s main gateway. The Dutch built the governor’s
residence, in 1880 on the spot where the palace of the sultan once stood. One
of the most outstanding landmarks in this capital city of staunchly Moslem Aceh
is the Baiturahman Grand Mosque. The old mosque that stood there before was
burned down by the Dutch at the beginning at the Aceh War, but rebuilt in 1875,
taking it’s present shape after a number of renovations and expansion.
From then on, it
was a long drawn out struggle for the Dutch in their attempts to subdue the
recalcitrant Acehnese. The Aceh War, which lasted intermittently from 1873 to
1942, was the longest ever fought by Holland and it cost the Dutch more than
100,000 lives.In the wake of East Timor's August 1999 referendum, hundreds of
thousands have marched in support of a similar act of self-determination in the
Indonesian region of Aceh, a region which also has endured decades of brutal
military operations. Aceh is a province in Northern Sumatera, which, like most
of Indonesia, is overwhelmingly Muslim. It has a population of around five
million, and a long tradition of resistance to outside powers.
Islam likely first entered the
Indonesian archipelago through Aceh sometime around the 12th century. In the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the port of Aceh became entangled, along
with the rest of what now comprises Indonesia, in the European colonial powers'
competition for worldwide political and economic dominance. The British and
Dutch were in competition for spices produced in Eastern Indonesia, for which
Aceh was an international trading center. In an attempt to undermine Aceh's
hold on the international spice trade, the British and Dutch carried their
business (and rivalry) to West Java. After many parliamentary debates on the
wisdom of attacking a sovereign state, in 1873 the Netherlands issued a formal
declaration of war and invaded Aceh. One of their primary rationalizations for
this aggression was to counter what they perceived as Acehnese piracy,
especially attacks on trading ships. The Acehnese resisted occupation and
fought a war of resistance which lasted intermittently from 1873 to 1942. The
conflict was the longest the Dutch ever fought, costing them more than 10,000
lives.
In March 1942 Japan conquered the
colonial forces in the Dutch East Indies. In August 1945, just days after the
Japanese surrendered to the Allies, the Republic of Indonesia proclaimed its
independence. Soon, however, both the British and Dutch were back in the
region, though the Dutch did not return to Aceh. Under the Linggarjati
Agreement, mediated by Great Britain and signed by Indonesia and the
Netherlands in March 1947, the Dutch recognized Indonesian sovereignty over the
islands of Java, Sumatera, and Madura. Many Indonesians viewed the deal as a
violation of Indonesia's independence proclamation of August 1945, which
implied sovereignty over the whole territory of the Republic. The agreement
sparked guerrilla fighting and led to another four years of violence and
territorial disputes between the Netherlands and Indonesia.
The precursor to Aceh's independence
movement began in the 1950s when the Darul Islam ("House of Islam")
rebels on the major Indonesian island of Java tried to establish an Islamic
state. The Acehnese lent support to this rebellion, which took years to crush.
In 1959, Jakarta gave Aceh "special territory" status, which
ostensibly conferred autonomy in religious, educational, and cultural matters.
In practice this policy ignored the two major complaints of the region's
indigenous population: Javanese and foreign control of natural resources and a
repressive military presence. Resentment over those cruel realities contributed
to the 1976 creation of the armed resistance group Gerekan Aceh Merdeka
(GAM-Free Aceh Movement), which the TNI refers to as Gerombolan Pengacau
Keamananan (GPK), or "gang of security disturbers." In the late
1970s, Indonesian authorities conducted mass arrests of Aceh Merdeka members
and killed many of its leaders. The movement's leader, Hasan di Tiro, fled to
Sweden in 1979 and created a government in exile.
After GAM re-emerged with broad
popular support in the late 1980s, Jakarta officially declared the province a
Military Operational Area (Daerah Operasi Militer, or DOM) and launched a
counter-insurgency campaign code-named Red Net. The regional commander at the
time spelled out his military's basic policies by saying, "I have told the
community, if you find a terrorist, kill him. There's no need to investigate
him ... if they don't do as you order them, shoot them on the spot, or butcher
them." Amnesty International reported that between 1989 and 1992 about
2,000 people were killed by military operations in Aceh. After international
capitalism's "Asian financial crisis" and Suharto's downfall,
Acehnese had high hopes for a new era of demilitarization and true democracy.
Unfortunately the military proved unwilling to do much beyond make cosmetic
changes: announcing an end to DOM status for Aceh on August 7, 1998, then Armed
Forces Chief Wiranto said "although human rights violations took place,
the soldiers were only doing their job of annihilating the armed security
disturbers," and General Feisal Tanjung told reporters that accusations of
TNI abuses were merely folk-tales.
Since Suharto's rise to power in the
1960s Aceh has been one of the archipelago's most profitable areas for
international investment. The province includes most of Indonesia's liquid
natural gas; Mobil Oil Indonesia heads the country's largest liquefied natural
gas production project in Arun, North Aceh. In its report "A Reign of
Terror, Human Rights Violations in Aceh 1998-2000," the U.K.-based
Indonesia Human Rights Campaign TAPOL notes that "the extent to which DOM
in Aceh provided government officials and military personnel with limitless
opportunities to profit financially from this economically fertile region
cannot be underestimated." Such vested interests will not be easily swayed
by the soothing rhetoric of Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, who has
repeatedly promised more than he can deliver to the Acehnese people. On
December 18, Wahid visited Aceh and called on military commanders not to be
"an enemy of the people," but resistance activist Amni Achmad Marzuki
responded, "We have heard him say this many times. Where is the implementation
of those words? His military makes no effort to obey his orders."
This background has
stamped a deep imprint on the Acehnese outlook and mentality. Aceh was the
backbone of resistance when in 1948 during the Indonesian war of independence,
the Dutch invaded the republic and occupied it’s capital, Yogyakarta.Today,
things are changing in Aceh. The era of industrialization has arrived, and with
it has come a more open attitude towards things alien. Visitors should keep in
mind, though, that the Acehnese take their religion, their manners and their
morals seriously.
The city also has a
museum, the Museum Negeri, filled with antiques. Among the exhibits is a big
clock a gift from the emperor of China and brought to Aceh by the famed Admiral
Cheng Ho in 1414. Of the old royal pleasure gardens, Taman Sari, little more
than a gateway and odd structure called Gunongan, the world means “Imitation
Mountain” remain.A site much visited, especially by Dutch visitors, is the well
kept Kherkhof, or churchyard, where the remains of more than 2.000 Dutch
soldiers lie buried. A reminder of Aceh’s support for the cause of the
Indonesian Republic during the war of independence is found in the center of
the city in the shape of an old Dakota aircraft resting on a pedestal a
donation from the people of Aceh to the Republic meant for breaking the Dutch
blockade.
Banda Aceh
Banda
Aceh is the capital of Aceh, has been known as the center of administration,
religion, commerce, and education since centuries ago. The remains of such
historical items are now encouraged as charms of Banda Aceh today. Other
features are beaches, waterfalls, cultural shows, traditional weaving and
embroidery centers, spectacular views, etc. But now we start the Tour Adventure
from the most western of Indonesia archipelago. We have so many tour and adventure objects also very
interesting and impression for you who love traveling.
Traditional
Costumes
Traditional costume
from Aceh have many styles. One of them, for a men only, are baje meukasah
which well known as Aceh Besar's ritual dress, trouser cekak musang, sarong
songket, and meukutop (Muslim Headdress). The Rencong (traditional knife) is
slipped into belt, appearing a hero images. The women's dresses, with colorful
and specific pattern follow the men's likewise pants cekak musang combine with
sarong ija pinggang. The jewelry such as Kalung Bahru (a necklace), Taloesusun
Lhee (chest accessories), Taloe Keuing (a belt), Gleung Pucok Reubang (a
bracelet) are put on complementary traditional costumes.
Traditional House
The Rumoh Aceh or Acehnese (traditional) house is a style of
architecture formerly common in Aceh. In Acehnese tradition, the house is
oriented North-South. It has been suggested that this is a pre-Islamic Hindu
practice, to avoid facing the setting sun and death. Acehnese now interpret
that the gable of their
houses face Mecca
(west).The Acehnese traditional house is built on stilts, providing shelter for
people working or walking underneath it. Family heirlooms are stored in the
roof of the house, considered the most sacred part of the building. The house
is divided into a front and back, plus a middle section, slightly elevated
above the front and back. The middle section contains the bedroom and storage
space, the front is where guests and special meals are served, and the back
section, containing the kitchen, is where children sleep and where women meet
their female guests. In some Rumah Aceh, there are female stairs to the back
section in addition to the main stairs at the front of the house.
The Tour Adventure Resorts are
Lake Anuek Laout,
Kasih Beach, Sea Park Rubiah Island, Lhoknga Beach, Lampuk Beach, The Samudra
Pasai Central Kingdom former, Zona Industry Lhok Seumawe, Lake Laut Tawar,
Simpang Balek Spring Water Bathing, Buru Linge Isaq Park, Realoih Sea, Lake
Ancuelaut. Mount Leuser National Park,
etc.
The
Folksongs are: Bungong Jeumpa, Piso Surit, etc.
The Traditional Dances are
Seudati, Saman,
Meusekat, Ular-ular, Laweut, Guel. Folk identity : Bungong Jeumpa “Michelia
Champaca” flora, Yellow Cicimpala “Copsychpyrrpygus” fauna.
Saman Meuseukat Dance
This dance was
carried out in the position sat in a row with the rhythm and the dynamic
movement. A dance with the poem was full of the service teaching, especially
the Islam religion.
Seudati Dance
This dance came
from Arabian with the background of the Islam religion. A dynamic dance was
full of the balance with the atmosphere of piety. This dance was very popular
and was liked by the Acehinese community.
The
District Identities are
Bungong
Jeumpa / Michelia Champaca (Flora), Cicimpala Kuning / Copsychpyrrygus (Fauna).
The Ethnocentricities are
Aceh, Gayo, Alas,
Tamiang, Simelu, Ulu Singkil, Aneuk Jame, Kluet, etc. Fol songs are: Piso
Surit, Bungong Jeumpa, etc.
The Mountainousare
Mount Abong-abong
(3.015 meters), Mount Bandahara (3.030 meters), Mount Bateehitan (1.260
meters), Mount Bateekeubeu (2.840 meters), Mount Bateemecica (2.140 meters),
Mount Bur Ni Telong (2.624 meters), Mount Mueajan (3.079 meters), Mount
Peuetsague (2.780 meters), Mount Segama (2.015 meters), Mount Sembuang (1.615
meters), Mount Seulawahagam (1.806 meters), Mount Seulawahnong (1.500 meters),
Mount Tangga (2.500 meters), Mount Tinjau Laut (1.105 meters), Mount Ulumasen
(2.390 meters), Mount Perkison (2.532 meters), Mount Panjang (2.023 meters),
and Mount Pusat Gayo.
The Rivers are
River Aceh, River
Geupang, River Jamboaye, River Kruet, River Mesem, River Meureudu, River
Peureula, River Peusangan, River Ranggos, River Puse, River Simonggo, River
Tamiang, River Tripa, River Teunom, and River Waila.
The Promontoriesare
The Gulfs are
Gulf Bulohan in
Aceh Besar Regency. Gulf Dalam in Aceh Besar Regency. Gulf Lassihing in West
Aceh Regency. Gulf Sabang in Aceh Besar Regency. Gulf Sanaton in West Aceh
Regency. Gulf Sibigo in West Aceh Regency. And Gulf Ririabang in West Aceh
Regency.
The Straits are
Strait Benggala in
Banda Aceh. Strait Lampuyang. Strait Malaka in Southeast Aceh.
The Flora are : Kayu Meranti, Miri Kamper, etc.
The Fauna are
Tiger, Orang Hutan, Pig, Elephant, Monkey, Bear, Gibbon Monkey, Rangkong, Crocodile,
Senyulong, Malu-Malu, etc.
The Wildlife Reserves are
Aceh Rafflesia I-II
Serbejadi (300 hectares) in Serbejadi, East Aceh, Population of Rafflesia Padma
Scehensis. The Kluet (20.000 Hectares),
in South Aceh, population of Orang Utans, Eelephants, Monkeys, etc. Mount
Leuser National Park (416.500 hectares), in Souteast Aceh, population of Orang
Utans, Elephants, Sumateran’s Rhinoceros, Tigers, Monkeys, Tapir, Kambing
Hutan, Rusa, dan berbagai jenis burung serta aesthetis.
The legacy of the History
Kherkoff, was the
Dutch cemetery as Acehinese proof of the people's opposition of the
Netherlands. The grave Sultan Iskandar Muda, was symbol the glory of the
Acehinese kingdom the past.
The Iboih Beach
The
plenty and populer of beaches in the island of Weh very different characters.
The Iboih Beach facing Rubiah Island is famous for it’s protected sea garden
with its vast array of tropical marine life. Iboih Beach is a social and lively
place, with diving facilities and a wide range of cozy bungalows clinging to
the hillside overlooking the beach and the coral reefs.
The Iboih Recreation Forest
The
Iboih Recreation Forest is another charm of Weh Island. This forest of about
1,300 hectares and located adjacent to Rubiah Sea Garden is home for many kinds
of animals. See wild monkeys, small and big reptiles and colorful birds. At
dusk wild boars and swarms of giant fruit bath are sure sightings.
Sabang and Weh Island
Weh Island is the
first island of the Indonesian archipelago and the Indonesia’s western most
island, just off Banda Aceh, as the capital of the province of Aceh, also about
two hours journey by ferry or only 45 minutes by speed boat from Banda Aceh.
The main feature of the island is it’s underwater beauty and marine activities
Nevertheless, this island also promises many historical remains mainly in the
from of old cannons and fortifications. Also It’s has the beaches, corals
reefs, forest, scenery, and history, etc.
Tour Adventure to
Sabang is like traveling into a different time, like traveling in a different
world, and the underwater world. With it’s Old Buildings and unique atmosphere.
The coral gardens of Weh are well known for their beauty. Sabang is truly an
unspoiled place, far away, but so easy to reach, from Penang and Kuala Lumpur
in Malaysia, from Singapore and from Medan also many major cities in Indonesia.Sabang
spreads out on the shores of a lovely bay and up the hills behind. Consists
mainly of two parts, Kota Atas (The Upper Town) and Kota Bawah (The Lower
Town). The Lower Town can be divided into three parts; those are the
traditional fishermen’s huts along the shore south of the harbor.The main
street and it’s many shops, restaurants, coffee shops and Chinese back streets.
And third, the “Kongsi”, the cramped and bustling housing area north of the
harbor.
The Upper Town has
a great view over the bay and stretches all the way to other side of the
peninsula where one finds the charming beaches of Pantai Kasih and Tapak Gajah.
This part of the town is very picturesque with all it’s colonial homes where
once the Dutch lived in grandeur.Weh is an Acehnese world and means “To
Separate” or “Away From”. In the beginning of the last century, Weh was
“Discovered” by the Europeans. In 1819 Sir Stamford Raffles wrote: “There is a
fine harbor on the northern side of Pulau Weh, the best in the Acehnese
dominions and until this period known to Europeans.”
The Museums are
The museum of
Negeri Aceh Special District, in Banda Aceh. Collected; numismatic, archeology,
heraldic, the foreign ceramics, the old text, the fine arts/skill art,
geography/IPA, and the legacy of the national history, et cetera.
Malikul Saleh
Museum, in Lhok Seumawe. This museum collection consisted of the legacy of
prehistory numismatic, heraldic, the foreign ceramics, archeology, the old
text, ethnography, geography, the fine arts/skill art, the history of the
national legacy et cetera.
Agree Segenap Museum,
in Kotacane. This museum collection took the form of the foreign ceramics, the
history of the national legacy, the fine arts/skill art, geography, reflika,
ethnography, et cetera. And the new museum
is also Tsunami Museum:
The Aceh Museum
The Aceh Museum is
another pride of Banda Aceh. The main building of the museum is a house built
in a traditional style by the Dutch Governor Van Swart in 1914. The museum is
filled with antiques, among the exhibits is a big clock, a gift from the
Chinese Transcript on the bell: Sing Fang Niat Toeng Juut Kat Yat Tjo which can
be literary translated as : Sultan Sing Fang, that had been completed in the 12th
month, the 5th year. No one known what it means.
Leuser National Park
Mount Leuser
National Park. This magnificent national park in southeastern Aceh, is the
biggest in Indonesia nature reigns supreme. The wealth of flora and fauna found
here is overwhelming. The park has research facilities for the study of
primates, birds, insects, and other animals. The park could be reached from
either Kutacane, Southeast Aceh’s capital, or from Takengon.
Leuser National
Park is the primary feature of this region. It is the largest park in Indonesia
since it constitutes some 850,000,-0 ha. It represents the whole spectrum of
the rain forest ecosystems from swamp forest to highland ones. Interesting
objects to enjoy are rain forest, wild flowers, wild animals, panoramic
mountain views, hot springs, natural caves, water fall, etc. Among the park are
Thomas Lear monkey, Pigtailed monkey, Long tailed monkey, orang - utan,
Siamang, White handed gibbon, etc. In addition to the primates, this park is
good habitat for many kinds of insects including colorful butterflies and
birds. Among its 3500 species of plants, rafflesia, is the most popular. Basic accommodation facilities are available
at the Ketambe research center.
The Gapang Beach
The
Gapang Beach is a quieter and more peaceful place with romantic bungalows and
coral reefs rich in fish. Hawk Bill Turtles are always a safe between
snorkeling in Gapang Beach. It’s strategically located within walking distance
of both Iboih Beach and Lhueng Angein Beach.
The Lhueng Angein Beach
The most secluded
beach is Lhueng Angein Beach or called Wind Long Beach. This beach is seasonal
and just irresistible between November and June with it’s lovely sand, dotted
with smooth rocks. There are simple accommodations in two different spots, and
even a coral reef for snorkeling.
The Love Beach
The dramatic coastline
of Weh Island is dotted with romantic beach, also perfect destinations for day
trips and excursions on bicycle, motorbike or by car. Or to Love Beach we can
walk distance from the town of Sabang and offers big waves rolling in on a
sandy beach. A perfect spot to have fun with the locals in the cool afternoons.
Underwater Sea Garden World
The Underwater Sea
Garden World is the main attraction. The corals reefs between Rubiah Island and
Iboih Beach in front of Gapang, near Lhueng Angein are great for snorkeling and
diving. There are many other coral reefs for more extended snorkeling and
diving holidays, even in the vicinity of the harbor bay.Brilliantly colored
fish including the coral and angelfish, the parrotfish, the putter and balloon,
are easy to spot in the clear, shallow water. Large sea fans and honeymoon
coral are occasional sightings. Snorkeling and diving equipment for rent are
everywhere.Diving and snorkeling in Weh Island are really recommended,
especially at the small Seulako Island. Modern diving equipment and experienced
instructors are in the diving centers there or in town. The Whale, Sharks up to
8 meters, and Manta Rays may be the greatest attraction of the Weh Island
Underwater World. Normally in January and February. These great creatures visit
Sabang.
Waterfall
The
waterfall is in Krueng Sikajang village, Manyak Payed district, and 15 km from
the district. This place is good for bathing and enjoying the panorama.
The River Side
The River Side of kuala baru there are as many
interesting things to do as on the seaside. Here is the huge delta of Alas
River. A wide area of small river arms, jungles and interesting wild life. You
can go forever by canoe up side arms, just one meter wide, through dense
vegetation, observing birds and monkeys. You get the feeling of being nowhere.
At the season for certain fruits, orang utan`s can be seen. There are a lot of
destinations to discover. Just rent a canoe with a motor and a guide. Try to
spend a night in a hut on stilts in the clean black water. Fishermen normally
use these huts. You will have a good chance to see wild animals, even
crocodiles.
The Beaches
The
Aceh Beaches. Aceh has many
beautiful beaches. Close to Banda Aceh are the beaches of Lhoknga and Lampuuk,
20 minutes ride from the center on the city. The sand is white and clean, the
water clear and the sunsets impressive. Ujong Batee is 35 kilometers from Banda
Aceh.Not to be overlooked is Sabang Indonesian’s westernmost port on Pulau Weh
(Weh Island). In the vicinity of the port are many wonderful beaches with
modest but pleasant facilities for accommodation, usually run by local people.
The sea abounds with corals and other marine life around Rubiah Island, nearby.
The other objects of interests
are:
The Harbors:
Pelabuhan
Kuala Langsa, Pelabuhan Lhok Seumawe, Pelabuhan Malahayati, Pelabuhan Meulaboh,
and Pelabuhan Sabang.
Transportation
Transportation.Aircraft
flights link Banda Aceh with Jakarta Medan with connecting flights to and from
Padang and Palembang. Inter city and inter island buses run services to and
from Padang, Palembang and Jakarta, and even Denpasar in Bali. Take the ferry
for crossings to Sabang Island, or “pioneer” aircraft flights services. Tour
Adventure trips to destinations like the Mount Leuser National Park are best
made by jeep.Blang Bintang, in Banda Aceh. Malikul Saleh, in Lhok Seumawe. Lhok
Sukon, in Lhok Sukon. Cut Nyak Dhien, in Meulaboh. Sinabang, in Sinabang. Teuku
Cut Ali, in Tapaktuan.
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