De Geconcentreerde Stelling in Groot-Atjeh

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tagsdocument, publication, aceh, achehnese, atjeh, colonial, military, history
aliasesThe Concentrated Position in Great Aceh, The Concentrated Position in Groot-Atjeh (1885), Geconcentreerde stelling

3 min read

De Geconcentreerde Stelling in Groot-Atjeh (The Concentrated Position in Great Aceh) is an 1885 Dutch publication providing a detailed account of the strategic reorganization of Dutch military positions in Groot-Atjeh following the concentration decision of 19 August 1884. The publication includes a detailed description of the new fortified line, the evacuation of external posts, and an assessment of the new strategy.

Publication Details

  • Title: De Geconcentreerde Stelling in Groot-Atjeh met Schetskaart
  • Publisher: ‘s-Gravenhage: De Gebroeders Van Cleef
  • Year: 1885
  • Format: Octavo, with sketch map

Contents

Part I: Het Besluit der Concentratie

Describes the decision to concentrate forces, the strategic options considered, and the reasoning behind choosing the specific line.

Part II: De Stelling

Provides detailed descriptions of all posts in the new line, their armament, garrison strength, and infrastructure.

Part III: Kort Overzicht (Augustus 1884–1 Maart 1885)

Chronicles the implementation of the concentration, including construction, evacuations, and casualties.

Part IV: Results and Assessment

Evaluates the expected results of the new policy and discusses the debate over defensive versus offensive strategy.

Significance

The publication provides invaluable primary source material for understanding Dutch military strategy in the Aceh War during the critical transition from offensive to defensive operations. It offers detailed information about:

  • Fortifications and their specifications
  • Military operations and movements
  • Strategic reasoning behind policy decisions
  • Contemporary assessment of the Acehnese resistance
  • Infrastructure development

Key Topics Covered

  • The decision-making process leading to concentration
  • Detailed descriptions of posts and their armaments
  • The withdrawal from scattered positions
  • The state of the Acehnese population and resistance
  • The role of religious leaders and holy war ideology
  • The administration of occupied territory
  • Debate over defensive strategy

See Also

Account from Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu

Dutch defensive policy of 1876-1896: retreating to a minimal piece of ground in an extended already-conquered territory and trying to convince the enemy through patience and submission that they could not dislodge the Dutch. Interpreted by the enemy as cowardice and weakness; undermined Dutch soldier morale. Abandoned in 1896 due to Snouck Hurgronje’s advice (positive) and Teukoe Oemar’s treason (negative).

Source: J. Jongejans, Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu (Baarn: Hollandia Drukkerij N.V., c. 1938), pp. 40.

Source

De Geconcentreerde Stelling in Groot-Atjeh, ‘s-Gravenhage: De Gebroeders Van Cleef, 1885.

Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu, by J. Jongejans, Oud-Resident van het Gewest Atjeh en Onderhoorigheden, with a foreword by Dr. H. Colijn (Baarn: Hollandia Drukkerij N.V., c. 1938), pp. 40.

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