Sabtu, 21 Juni 2008

Aceh Culture

Acehnese cultures, which are basically colored by Islamic religion. Nevertheless, because of the Hindu and Buddhist cultural impact to Acehnese long before Islam arrived, there is still a little influence of Hindu and Buddhist culture in the Ritual Ceremonies. Acehnese traditional arts contain religious, communal, democratic and heroic identity. Acehnese literature is writtern in Acehnese and Malay (jawi).

There are three major ethnic groups in Aceh; Acehnese, Gayo and Alas. The Acehnese are most numerous and inhabit the coastal areas of the region. The Gayo and Alas tribes are numerically minor groups who inhabited the highland of Aceh. The Gayo live in central Aceh while the Alas in southeast Acheh.

At the age of seven, children start to learn the prayers and tenets of Islam and to recite from the Koran (Al Qur'an). Boys and girls start to have religious duties and obligations at the onset of puberty. Knowledge and understanding of Islam make an individual into moral being capable to distinguish right from wrong. The religious leaders who teach the children ( Teungku/Tgk) make children into rational beings. Communion with Allah can only be achieved through prayers five times a day. The title "Teungku (Tgk)" is given to prominent religious leader. Title "Tuanku" or "Sayed" and " Teuku (T)" is used descendants of important land owning families during the sultanate, and title "Cut Nyak" or "Po Cut" and "Cut",are used for female of these fammilies. Socio-Cultural Life

During the Sultan Iskandar Muda's administration, the kingdom of Aceh covered East Sumatra, Siak and part of Central Sumatra. The combination of the three tribes allowed the mixture of new tribes. For example the immigration of Minangkabau people from west Sumatra to Aceh resulted in a mixture of people from different cultural backgrounds that formed a new tribe with new culture known as Aneuk Jame, the sons of guests.

Similarly the immigrants from East Sumatra who mixed themselves with the Acehnese then formed a new tribe of Tamiang in East Aceh. The Acehnese are mostly a mixture of different nations like Arabs, Persians, Chinese, Indians and Portuguese. Even the word "Aceh" is allegedly claimed to be originated from the words Arab, China, Europe and Hindia.

Customs and traditions, which have been developed, later have become the norms of life stemmed from Islamic teachings which have developed since the 13th century. Islamic teachings are now deeply rooted in the heart of the people. To an Acehnese, Islamic teachings have become a standard measurement and barometer of their attitude, behavior, deeds, and performance in their daily interactions with one another. Their attitudes and views on all kinds of rights and evils, good and bad reflect in their way of life related to Islamic teachings.
The Acehnese people fully experience Islamic teachings in their daily life. The attitude is actualized by acculturating their customs into the religious teachings. This means that someone who behaves in accordance with traditional customers, he is supposed to behave in accordance with the religious teachings or try not deviate from the basic religion he adheres.

This fact is indicated by the issue of law No.44/1999 about the implementation of the specialties offered to this special region of Aceh Province. They cover four aspects, namely; traditions and customs, education, religious practices and the roles that the Islamic scholars play in making state policies.

One of the implementations of Syariah law in the daily life is as reflected in traditional arts in which the identities of religion, commune, democracy are clearly shown in the daily interactions. For example, it is customery for an Acehnese to greet someone and respond the greeting with 'assalamualaikum'. The first person who addresses someone else usually shakes hand with the person he addresses. This way of addressing is also used in a formal situation.

Customs in compliance with Islamic teachings are still practiced as indicated in the expression" adat bak Po Teu Meureuhom hukom bak Syah Kuala, Qanun bak Putro Phang, Reusam bak Laksamana. Hukom ngon adat lage zat ngon sifeut. These sayings mean that state regulations are originated from Sultan's policies and his advisor's advise which is symbolized as Sultan Iskandar Muda. Law in term of Islamic regulations were made by the Ulamas (Islamic Scholars). Therefore it is symbolized as Teungku Syah Kuala. As for Qanun, (regulation) such as the way someone should behave himself is the responsibility of Maharani which is symbolized as Putro Phang, while the customers system is handled by Panglima Kawom ( Chief of Tribes) and representatives of each village. Finally, the expression of Hukom Ngon adat lage zat dengan sifeut, meaning that Islamic law and customer law are very closely interrelated.

Customs, which have been part of people's life, remain effective. For example wedding customs, and other facets of living are still practiced in the community.

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