BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM – The Government of Aceh, through the Aceh Social Affairs Office, has officially proposed Islamic scholar and military commander Teungku Chik Pante Geulima as a candidate for Indonesia's National Hero title. The charismatic figure is widely recognized as a key resistance leader against Dutch colonial rule in the 19th century.
The proposal was presented during a provincial seminar on national hero nominations held at the
Aceh Social Affairs Office hall on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The event gathered government officials, academics, cultural figures, community leaders, and descendants of the historical figure to examine his legacy from a scholarly perspective.
Academic Foundation Strengthened for Nomination
Read Also: Aceh Provincial Secretary Praises Universitas Almuslim for Strengthening Student Leadership The seminar featured several national experts and historians, including Prof. Dr. Anhar Gonggong, Dr. M. Adli Abdullah, Tgk. H. Habibie Waly, and Dr. Laode Taufik Nuryadin from Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs. They delivered historical analyses and contributed to the preparation of a scientific dossier supporting the National Hero submission.
According to historical accounts, Teungku Chik Pante Geulima was a unifying figure within Acehnese society. Through his religious authority and leadership, he succeeded in strengthening the spirit of resistance among communities in both coastal and inland regions, mobilizing widespread opposition against colonial forces.
HONORING A HERO: Mustafa Abubakar highlights
Teungku Chik Pante Geulima's eligibility for National Hero status due to his resistance against Dutch colonial forces until his death in 1901. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Warn Parents Over Illegal Street Racing Risks Legacy of Resistance in the Aceh WarHis courage, resilience, and sacrifice during the Aceh War left a lasting historical legacy. He is regarded as a pivotal figure who significantly contributed to defending the sovereignty and dignity of the Indonesian people.
The descendant of
Teungku Chik Pante Geulima and former Acting Governor of
Aceh, Mustafa Abubakar, emphasized the importance of recognizing his contributions.
"Considering his determined struggle against Dutch colonial forces until his martyrdom in 1901, it is appropriate for the Government of Aceh to nominate him as a National Hero," Mustafa stated.
Read Also: Aceh Ensures Stable Livestock Supply Ahead of Meugang and Eid al-Adha 1447 H Preserving Historical Memory and Educational ValueSecretary of the Aceh Social Affairs Office, Michael Octaviano, S.STP, underlined that the nomination process is not merely administrative, but also part of preserving historical memory embedded in manuscripts, hikayat, and oral traditions.
He described
Teungku Chik Pante Geulima as a figure who embodied Islamic values, leadership, education, and people's struggle.
"Aceh has many great historical figures whose contributions to the nation have not yet been fully recognized. This seminar is an important step in strengthening academic foundations and historical evidence," Michael said.
Read Also: Aceh Tengah Police Step Up Night Patrols to Curb Illegal Street Racing He added that the recognition effort is also intended as an educational instrument for younger generations in the era of modernization.
The Government of Aceh, together with academics, cultural figures, and the public, is currently completing historical documentation to meet the requirements for submission to the central government.
The initiative is expected not only to serve as a symbolic honor but also to highlight the importance of regional history in shaping Indonesia's national identity.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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