The Failure of the Orientalists

Two out of four wars in Aceh have ended in total failure. Wrong place, new weapons, ships wrecked. Snouck's words cannot guarantee victory in Aceh.

August 19, 2003

To Aceh, the palace! The nest of all evil.

Schemes, piracy and treachery are everywhere;

Wipe out corruption, eradicate the curse:

Under the Dutch flag "civilization" flourishes

THIS verse from the Aceh Military Song was written by P. Haagsma in 1877. Intended to inspire the Dutch troops as they arrived in Aceh to deal with the "rebels", the song was often heard, but the story on the ground was rather different. The

...

More Articles