Subsequent Dutch expeditions, led by General Van Swieten, managed to capture the Sultan's palace, albeit the Sultan's escape initiated a decade-long guerrilla warfare. By 1880, Dutch strategy shifted towards consolidating controlled territories, primarily focusing on the capital city of Banda Aceh and Ulee Lheue harbor, yet continued heavy spending sustained colonial dominance.
The conflict reignited in 1883 with the stranding of the British ship Nisero in an area where Dutch influence was limited. Under British pressure, the Dutch attempted a rescue mission, escalating tensions. Teuku Umar's refusal to aid the Dutch led to their invasion, resulting in the Sultan surrendering the hostages for a hefty ransom.
The Dutch Minister of Warfare, Weitzel, recommenced open warfare on Aceh, attempting to enlist local leaders like Teuku Umar by offering cash, opium, and weapons. However, Umar's eventual betrayal in 1896 marked a significant setback for Dutch efforts.
The years 1892 and 1893 witnessed Aceh's resilience despite Dutch endeavors. Major J.B. van Heutsz, supported by Dr. Snouck Hurgronje, advocated for a shift in strategy, emphasizing cooperation with hereditary chiefs over religious leaders. This approach, followed by Van Heutsz's appointment as governor in 1898, paved the way for Dutch conquest.
Van Heutsz, alongside Lieutenant Hendrikus Colijn, implemented Hurgronje's recommendations, securing support from cooperative uleebelang in the countryside. Colonel Van Daalen's ruthless tactics, including the destruction of villages and civilian casualties, exemplified the brutality of Dutch campaigns.
Colijn's firsthand accounts, detailing atrocities committed by Dutch forces, underscored the grim realities of the conflict. By 1904, Dutch dominion was established, reshaping Aceh's governance under colonial rule, albeit at a staggering cost. Estimates suggest Aceh suffered 50,000 to 100,000 dead and over a million wounded, reflecting the war's devastating toll on the region.
The Aceh War serves as a tragic reminder of the perils of imperialism, characterized by diplomatic intrigue, military aggression, and the ruthless pursuit of colonial ambitions. Its legacy, marred by bloodshed and suffering, continues to reverberate through history, echoing the enduring scars of conquest and resistance.
The Aceh War: A Tragic Chronicle of Colonial Ambitions
