Gold Relics from an Ancient Kingdom Buried in Aceh, Indonesia: Here's a Clue to the Location

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After Sultan Malikussaleh, other sultans in Aceh continued to create gold currency, called the gold derham (Atjehsche gouden munten).

This currency continued until the end of the reign of Sultanah Syafiatuddin Syah (1641-1675).

During the reign of Sultanah Tajul Alam Syafiatuddin Syah, a gold mine was established in Geumpang (Pidie).

In the Geumpang River, approximately 100 kilometers from Sigli, gold was discovered.

This gold was a highly profitable trade commodity in Aceh at the time. In fact, its size led the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to become a major smuggler of gold.

They then requested a monopoly on the gold trade. However, the Sultanate refused. Aceh Darussalam remained only willing to trade gold with its traditional partners: the British, Indians, Persians, Arabs, and Chinese.

During the reign of Sultan Djamalul Alam (1711-1733), a gold mine was opened in Aceh, specifically in Tutut, upstream of the Meulaboh River. All gold was brought to Bandar Aceh for further trade.

During the reign of Sultan Djohar Alam Syah (1802-1830), the center of the gold trade was no longer in Bandar Aceh, but moved to a port on Penang Island. Penang became the center of the gold trade, leading Aceh to be invaded by the Dutch in 1873.

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During the war with the Dutch, gold mining was halted.

The entire population took part in the Fisabilillah War. They were busy fighting guerrilla warfare from jungle to jungle.

The Dutch government did not dare take over the mine, as the jungle was under Muslim control.

In 1938, the Dutch began gold mining in Aceh. They started in Meulaboh. The gold in Tutut was mined by Maatschappy Masmarsman until the Japanese invaded.

In 1945, as the Indonesian Republic revolution raged, the mining company ceased operations.

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