Teukoe Oemar (Teuku Umar) (active 1882-1899; killed near Meulaboh 1899) was a Westkust (West Coast) head, oelèëbalang of Leupoeëng, resistance leader, auxiliary commander for the Dutch, defector mentioned in Jongejan’s Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu in connection with Aceh. Descended from a chief lineage (hoofdengeslacht) of the Westkust.
Role
Westkust (West Coast) head, oelèëbalang of Leupoeëng, resistance leader, auxiliary commander for the Dutch, defector
Dates
active 1882-1899; killed near Meulaboh 1899
Account from Jongejans
Descended from a chief lineage (hoofdengeslacht) of the Westkust. Repeatedly invaded Groot-Atjeh from the Leupoeëng area in 1882-1884. Made several false submissions to the Dutch; in 1884 tricked Governor Laging Tobias, seized weapons and ammunition, hijacked the ship Hok Canton in the Rigaih-baai (taking the captain, his wife and the second engineer captive, releasing them for a ransom of 25000 rijksdaalders/Spanish matten). His submission was accepted in September 1893 after advice from Snouck Hurgronje. From September to December 1893 helped clear Groot-Atjeh of kwaadwilligen. Won the trust of General Deyckerhoff, received titles, allowances, a paid legion, a house, ~900 rifles and money. Appointed oelèëbalang of Leupoeëng in January 1896. In March 1896 defected to the resistance with many followers. Fought another 4 years until killed near Meulaboh (at Oedjoeng Kala) while attempting to attack and burn that kota. An obelisk marks the spot where he fell; his body was carried off by followers; his grave was later discovered by Captain Schmidt. Author poses whether he was adventurer, fanatical Muslim kafir-hater, or faith-hero.
Significance
Teukoe Oemar (Teuku Umar) appears in Jongejan’s account as one of the figures shaping the history of Aceh during the period covered by the book.
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. 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 398, 401, 402.