Acehnese Women

In Aceh, from the early fifteenth century until Indonesian independence came in 1945, women had been given the opportunity to be leaders of the country and to participate in public life. In that times, there appeared many important women figures at the national level, either as leaders of the government or as a heroes in struggle against the Dutch colonialists. These role of women in Acehnese society largely owe to matriarchal system.

The prominent women figures in Aceh including: Admiral Keumalahajati (in the late 1500s), four queens whose successively rule from 1641-1700, and guerilla commander in Dutch Colonial War era (such as: Cut Nya' Dhien, Cut Meutia, Pocut Baren, Pocut Mirah Inteun).

During struggle for national freedom (1945-49), the women of the "Revolution of 45" in Aceh not only served as public kitchen staff and "Pasukan Bulan Sabit" (health staff), but also involved themselves actively in fighting, like "Pocut Baren Regimen."

But since the independence of Indonesia in late 1949, the condition of women in Aceh has been declining and has become not far different from the condition of women in other parts of Indonesia. It may be assumed that Acehnese women's position has marginalize under Indonesia paternalistic tradition.