cut nyak dien

Early life:

Cut Nyak Dhien was born into an Islamic aristocratic family in Aceh Besar in VI mukim district in 1848. Her father, Teuku Nanta Setia, was a member of the ruling Ulèë Balang aristocratic class in VI mukim, and her mother was also from an aristocrat family.

She was educated in religion and household matters. She was renowned for her beauty, and many men proposed to her until her parents arranged for her marriage to Teuku Cek Ibrahim Lamnga, the son of an aristocratic family, when she was twelve.

Since Aceh was invaded by the Dutch colonialism, her husband, Ibrahim Lamnga fought in the front line to defend their homeland while she boosted the spirit of the army from behind. Unfortunately, in June 29th 1878, Ibrahim Lamnga was killed in Gle Tarum which made Cut Nyak Dien furious and vowed to destroy Dutch no matter what it took.

She initiated her vow of revenge by marrying her cousin, Teuku Umar, a warrior in Aceh. From that moment on, she actively involved in the front line.