ACHIN (Dutch, Atjeh), and dependencies, is a Dutch Gov ernment in Sumatra, Dutch East Indies. It forms the northern extremity of the island, the boundary extending from Salahadji, a point on the east coast, just north of Aru bay, to a point on the west coast, about mid-way between Singkel and Barus, has an area of 20,544sq.m., and is divided into three assistant-resi dencies. It is very mountainous, with long ranges, running parallel with the axis of the island, and, particularly, in the east and ex treme north-west, spurs projecting towards the coast. Most of the interior is mountainous, but, except in the extreme north, there is a fairly wide coastal plain, narrower in the east than in the west. The highest peaks are Bandahara (1O,100) and Peper kison (9,000), on the southern central boundary, and Peuet Sagu (9,270), and Boer Ni Telong (8,500), in the north. In the north the coast is very varied, the cliffs, crowned with dense vegetation, rising precipitously from the sea in places, whilst in other parts there are sandy beaches or cultivated and well-populated plains. Elsewhere the coast is flat, and, in places, marshy. The rivers are short, and run down sharply to the coast. The largest, the Singkel, on the west coast, is almost useless for shipping, owing to the bar at its mouth, but further up stream it forms a good means of communication, in spite of its rapids. The ports of Achin are Oleh-leh and Sigli on the north, Edi on the east, and Meulaboh on the west. Oleh-leh is the gate-way to Kota Raja, the capital of Achin. Kota Raja is situated on the Achin river, some three miles up from the sea. The capital of Achin, when this was the wealthiest and most powerful sultanate in Northern Sumatra, having suzerainty over territory in the Malay Peninsula, Kota Raja still possesses remains of its former glory, but it consists largely of wooden and attap-roofed houses, built in kampongs, with the old Achinese Citadel (now garrison-quarters), a large Mosque, the modern residences of the governor and civil staff, offices of the administration, European business premises, together with two small hotels. Three bridges span the river. Kota Raja has a cable station, is connected by telegraph with Medan, and thence across the island with Padang and the south generally. A steam tramway links it up with Oleh-leh and, across country, with Sigli, on the north-east coast, whence it proceeds to Kuala Simpang (Aru bay), where it joins up with a coastal line southward to Tandjung Balai. An adviser, representing the department of agriculture, trade and industry, is stationed at Kota Raja, and the town has a population of 10,724, composed of Europeans and Eurasians, 6,146 natives, and 3,441 foreign Asiatics. The principal industries of Achin are silk-weaving, gold-working, wood-carving and ship-building, and there is a fishing and coasting trade. Rice is the food staple, grown more under sawah culture than ladang, and there are irrigation works for rice culture. Pepper, copra and palm oil are the chief exports, but sugar-cane and fruit trees are grown, cattle-breeding is car ried on, and there are over 20,000 acres under rubber (Hevea). Imports (19 2 5) 8,688,05 2 and exports 20,881,154 guilders. Pop. (1930) 1,003,062, composed of—Europeans and Eurasians natives 975,945, and foreign Asiatics., including Chinese, 23,873. The Achinese are Malayan, but smaller and thinner than the Malays, with darker skin and larger eyes. The people of the highlands (orang tunang) are prouder and more courageous and independent than those of the lowlands (orang baroh), but both are fond of warfare. The nobility usually claim Arab descent, and there are evidences of old-time contact with Hindus. Both men and women wear the characteristic wide Achinese trousers; the women are skilful weavers ; the men fairly good craftsmen and skilled agriculturists. Rice, fish and vegetables, eaten twice daily, form the usual fare, betel-nut is used universally, and opium smoking is indulged in, but strong drink is used only amongst the upper classes. Houses are built on piles, divided into several rooms, generally with front and back verandah, reached by steps. They stand in a fenced courtyard, with fruit trees about them, —the domestic animals and birds live underneath—and are usually untidy in appearance. In a meneusah, without the village, the young unmarried men and strangers sleep, and it is also used for meetings and religious observances. Society is divided into families; there are traces of an old matriarchal form, but the patriarchal system is now general. Marriage is celebrated at an early age, divorce is rare, and polygamy is not common, except amongst the highest classes. The position of the Achinese woman is high. Achin is under direct Dutch Government, but many Achinese chiefs exercise authority as Government officials. The Achinese are Mohammedans.
The people are fond of competitions in recitations of poetry, and of musical performances on native instruments; also of feasts and gambling, whilst animals are kept for fighting purposes. See C. Snouck Hurgronje, The Achehnese (Leyden, 1996).
(E. E. L.)