The conquest of Glé Jeuëng on 16 May 1897 was the Dutch military operation that captured the strong position (stelling) of Panglima Polém on the Glé Jeuëng, one of the sagi chief’s residences on the route between Indrapoeri and Seulimeum in Greater Atjeh. The battle — described by Governor-General Van der Wijck as a “verwoed gevecht” (furious fight) — cost heavy casualties and marked a significant step in the consolidation of Dutch control over the XXII Moekim.
The road to Seulimeum and the stelling at Glé Jeuëng
Between Indrapoeri and Seulimeum, a road was constructed: 17 km long and 5 m wide. As this roadwork, begun from Indrapoeri, approached Glé Jeuëng, the troops protecting the road-workers had increasing contact with the enemy, who had occupied a strong stelling on the Glé Jeuëng. Glé Jeuëng was one of the residences of the sagihoofd and lay directly on the route.
By the wet of 26 May 1897, funds were authorised for tram construction. The section Koetaradja-Lambare of the old ceintuurbaan (circumference line) was extended and by October had already reached Indrapoeri; a year later the line was complete to Seulimeum. Troops that had for so long had to cover transport convoys became available for more direct action against the enemy: conditions improved.
The battle of 16 May 1897
The conquest of Glé Jeuëng on 16 May 1897 was a hard-fought engagement. Van der Wijck described it as a “verwoed gevecht” — a furious battle — that cost “much too many dead and wounded.” The victory, though purchased at heavy price, was a milestone in the advance toward Seulimeum and the subjugation of the XXII Moekim.
Aftermath and the post system
After the conquest of Glé Jeuëng, the consolidation of Dutch positions in Greater Atjeh continued. In September 1897, the post Lam Peureuneu’ was abolished; followed by Lam Reuèng, Sirón, Boekét Kareuëng, Peukan Kroeeng Tjoet, Blang, and in March 1898 Lam Tih. However, Kroeëng Raja, Leupoeëng, Glé Jeuëng, Seulimeum, and finally Reuëngreuëng were occupied. With these, complete mastery of Greater Atjeh was achieved: disarmed and registered, thanks to active patrols and healthy surveillance, the interior was no longer peacefully inhabitable for enemies and became increasingly difficult to access.
Polém and other heads still persevering in their resistance no longer ventured on the Atjeh side of the watershed. The work already done was considerable, but the remaining task was still immense.
See Also
- Panglima Polém
- Indrapoeri
- Seulimeum
- XXII Moekims
- Groot-Atjeh
- Joannes Benedictus van Heutsz
- J. J. van Vliet
- C. A. van der Wijck
- Tramweg aanleg in Atjeh (1897)
- Atjeh-oorlog (1873-1904)
Source
H. T. Damsté, “Drie Atjeh-Mannen: Snouck Hurgronje — Van Heutsz — Van Daalen,” Kolonial Tijdschrift, No. 4, 26e Jaargang (1937), overdruck, pp. 360–362.