Daud Beureu'eh: The Leader of the DI/TII Rebellion in Aceh

Early Life and Career

Daud Beureu'eh was born in 1899 in Meulaboh, Aceh, Indonesia. He was a devout Muslim and a strong advocate for Acehnese independence from Dutch colonial rule.

In the 1930s, Beureu'eh became involved in the Sarekat Islam, a political organization that advocated for Indonesian independence. He was imprisoned by the Dutch authorities for his political activities and spent several years in jail.

Formation of the DI/TII

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Beureu'eh founded the Darul Islam/Tentara Islam Indonesia (DI/TII) in Aceh. The DI/TII aimed to establish an Islamic state in Aceh and to resist the Indonesian government.

The DI/TII launched a rebellion against the Indonesian government in 1953. The rebellion lasted for several years and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.

Capture and Death

Beureu'eh was captured by the Indonesian government in 1962 and was sentenced to death. He was executed in 1963.

The DI/TII rebellion was eventually defeated by the Indonesian government, but it had a lasting impact on Aceh. The province remains a predominantly Muslim region and there are still occasional calls for independence.

Legacy

Daud Beureu'eh is remembered as a controversial figure in Indonesian history. He was a strong advocate for Acehnese independence and his rebellion was a major challenge to the Indonesian government.

However, Beureu'eh's methods were often violent and he was responsible for the deaths of many innocent people. His legacy is therefore complex and contested.