Achinese War

(1873–1907)

   A protracted but low-level and sporadic conflict waged by the Muslim population of Acheh in northern Sumatra against Dutch rule. Acheh had been an independent sultanate for four centuries before the subjugation of Sumatra by the Netherlands. Rumors of American and Italian interest in Aceh prompted the Dutch to establish firm control. A military expedition to Aceh in 1873 was initially a fiasco, but a second attempt later the same year resulted in January 1874 in the capture of the sultan’s fortress. The Achinese continued a guerrilla campaign until 1907 when the region was finally pacified.

   FURTHER READING:

    Robertson, J. B., and J. Spruyt. A History of Indonesia. New York: St. Martin’s, 1967.

   CARL CAVANAGH HODGE