Acehnese people

The Acehnese (also Achinese) are people from Aceh, Indonesia in the northernmost tip of the island of Sumatra. The area has a history of political struggle against the Dutch. Their language, the Acehnese, belongs to the Aceh–Chamic groups of Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.

They were at one time Hinduised, as is evident from their traditions and the many Sanskrit words in their language. They have been Muslims for several centuries and are generally considered the most conservative Muslim ethnic group in Indonesia. The estimated number of Acehnese ranges 4.6 million people and at least 4.477.000 people live in Indonesia and 81,000 live in Malaysia.

Traditionally, there have been a large number of 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.

Aceh came to international attention as being the hardest-hit region of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake with 120,000 people dead.

Overseas Acehnese
Due to conflict since Dutch invasion to Aceh until Martial Law in Aceh and 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, many Acehnese fled abroad. The most significant number of Acehnese can be found in Malaysia and Scandinavia countries. Acehnese immigrants also can be found significantly in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, United States and Canada.

Dances
Traditional Acehnese dance portrays the heritage culture, religion and folklore of the common folk. Acehnese dance are generally performed in groups; either in standing or in sitting position, whereby the group of dancers will be of the same gender. If seen from the musical standpoint, the dance can be grouped into two types. One is accompanied with vocals and physical percussive movements of the dancers themselves, and the other is simply accompanied by an assemble of musical instruments.
 * Laweut
 * Likok Pulo
 * Pho
 * Rabbani Wahed
 * Ranup lam Puan
 * Rapa'i Gèlèng
 * Ratéb Meuseukat
 * Ratoh Duek
 * Seudati
 * Saman Dance
 * Tari Sewah
 * Tarek Pukat

Notable persons

 * Iskandar Muda
 * Cut Nyak Dhien
 * Cut Nyak Meutia
 * Teungku Chik di Tiro
 * P. Ramlee
 * Teuku Muhammad Hasan
 * Teuku Umar
 * Teuku Jacob
 * Hasan di Tiro
 * Farhan Ramadhan
 * Teuku Wisnu
 * Admiral Keumala Hayati
 * Surya Paloh