The Radja of Edi was the ruler of the subordinate state of Edi (also Edi-Besar) on the east coast of Atjeh, who was among the first of the Acehnese subordinate state rulers to seek Dutch protection and to fly the Dutch flag. Even before the outbreak of the Aceh War, the Radja had shown himself favourably disposed toward the Netherlands-India Government, and shortly after the withdrawal of the First Expedition, he formally requested to place himself under Dutch sovereignty. The Dutch flag was raised at Edi, and a company of infantry was sent from Deli to garrison a fortification at the river mouth and protect the flag.
Submission to the Dutch
The Radja of Edi sought Dutch protection because he was threatened by the neighbouring state of Simpang-Olim, which was hostile to the Dutch. He stated that he was capable of resisting Simpang-Olim by land with his own forces but needed naval support if Simpang-Olim attempted to blockade his river. This request was granted, and within weeks of the first expedition’s withdrawal, the Dutch flag flew on the shores of Edi-Besar.
Strategic Significance
The recognition of Dutch sovereignty at Edi was significant for several reasons:
- Moral influence: It demonstrated that not all Acehnese subordinate states were hostile to the Dutch and that submission was possible.
- Coaling station: It provided a coaling station for the steamers of the blockade squadron, supplementing the squadron’s fuel supplies.
- Strategic position: It gave the Dutch a foothold on the east coast of Atjeh, from which to monitor and influence the subordinate states.
The Radja of Edi’s submission was followed by those of several other subordinate states, including Troemon, which accepted Dutch sovereignty after receiving Van Swieten’s letter explaining the advantages of the Dutch flag.
Population Divisions
Van Swieten noted that the Radja’s favourable disposition was not shared by the entire population of Edi. The neighbouring rulers adopted a consistently threatening posture toward the Radja, and for some time a military garrison was maintained at Edi to protect him and the flag — first provided by the navy, then by the garrison at Deli. Even after the garrison was withdrawn, the peace was not disturbed.
See Also
Source
De waarheid over onze vestiging in Atjeh, door den Luitenant-Generaal J. van Swieten, Zalt-Bommel, Joh. Noman en Zoon, [1879], pp. 38–39, 64.