Aceh Welcomes New Governor at Sacred Site

Monday, 12 February, was a day of excitement and hope in Aceh Barat as Irwandi Yusuf, Aceh’s new governor, addressed the Acehnese people from the sacred site of Teuku Umar’s grave in Kaway XVI. The timing and site of the speech were significant. Teuku Umar, the revered Achenese war hero, was killed by the Dutch off Suak Ribee on 11 February 1899. The governor’s presence also brought attention to the upcoming Aceh Barat Bupati electons scheduled for 4 March.

Hundreds gathered on Monday morning eager to learn more about this former GAM member’s vision for Aceh. Irwandi stood poised before the crowd and emphasized his determination to balance the development of both the east and west coasts of Aceh. Many applauded when he declared a “War on Corruption” in Aceh and stressed that he will not be living in the luxurious governor’s house, but will continue living in his family’s home and driving his own modest car. And he reassured many when one TNI official, during the question and answer period, said, “Don’t sell this country to foreigners,” and Irwandi replied, “I fought for this country for a long time, not because I want to sell this land, but because I want to save this land.”

Eight candidates ran for the seat of governor of Aceh in December. Few anticipated that any candidate would receive 25% of the vote, the amount needed to prevent a run-off election. Winning the seat with 38.2% of the votes, Irwandi’s outright victory was unexpected. Imam Ferry offered this insight, “The Achenese people were looking for a change. Many people were feeling hopeless about their situation.” By the outpouring of support on Monday, it seems many are optimistic that Irwandi’s victory will mark the beginning of a new era for Aceh.


For those who are interested in learning more about a past era, Teuku Umar’s grave is an important destination. It is located less than an hour’s drive from Meulaboh. Stay on the road to Kaway XVI for approximately 40 kilometers and you’ll see a gate marking the entrance on your left. Don’t let the short trek from the parking area to the memorial site deter you; the peaceful and lush surroundings are worth the walk. While there, make sure to visit the natural spring as the fresh water is believed to be holy. According to local custom, you may wash your face with this spring water and make a wish, bathe with it to cleanse yourself of impurities or use it as a treatment for better health. Also, it is common for Muslims to read the Quran and offer a prayer for Teuku Umar.

More on Teuku Umar…

(retrieved from www.asnlf.net/asnlf_int/acheh/history/teuku_umar/teuku_umar.htm)

Teuku Umar (1854-1899) was a chief in Aceh, northern Sumatra, Indonesia. At various times, he fought against and alongside the Dutch colonial invaders. As head of the village of Datar, Teuku Umar fought against the Dutch from 1873, when they first tried to conquer Aceh. In 1893, Teuku Umar went over to the Dutch side. The Dutch took him into their service and made him commander of a legion of 250 friendly Acehnese soldiers. The Dutch governor regarded him as a trustworthy ally, but Teuku Umar used this opportunity to build up a more powerful position for himself. In 1896, he and his soldiers deserted the Dutch and went back to the Acehnese side. The Dutch pursued him for nearly three years. In January 1899, a force under Governor van Heutsz ambushed and killed Teuku Umar at Meulaboh on the west coast of Aceh.