Acehnese people
Acehnese couple circa 1939
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 3.526.000 - 4.200.000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Indonesia: 3.404.000 (2010) - 3.445.000 (2015) Malaysia: 80.000-120.000 (2009) |
|
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Kluet, Cham, Kyat Malays, and other Chamic speaking peoples |
The Acehnese (also Achinese) are an ethnic group 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.
The 14th century Suruaso inscription was found in Tanah Datar Regency (West Sumatra), and written in two languages, Old Malay and Tamil. The Tamils were also assimilated with Acehnese people, and many of them has physical resemblance to that of Tamils. However, they do not practice Tamil culture or speak Tamil language anymore.
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 with the implementation of Sharia law in their home province of Aceh. The estimated number of Acehnese ranges between 3,526,000 people and at least 4.2 million people
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.
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.
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