Van Swieten’s proclamation (31 March 1874) was an event in the history of Aceh recorded by Jongejan in Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu. Lieutenant-General J.
Date and Context
The event is dated to 31 March 1874.
Account
Lieutenant-General J. van Swieten issued a proclamation on 31 March 1874 establishing Dutch authority in the conquered territory. Following this, Teukoe Bintara Keumangan set as condition for his written submission that the rule of his land must remain in his and his descendants’ hands - an early example of how chiefs tried to preserve their authority.
Significance
The event is recorded by Jongejan as part of the broader historical narrative of Aceh and the Atjeh conflict period. It illustrates the complex interplay of local Atjehers politics, Dutch colonial administration, and the religious and military leadership that shaped the region’s history.
See Also
Source
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. 39.