The relationship between Indonesia, particularly Aceh and India was done very long time. It was begun before Indonesian people reaching prehistorical through present day. Based on historical, the grand parents of Indonesian people was from India. Really, the evidence and the influence of it can be seen from several culture aspects either tangible or intangible. In the process of Indian development it continued until become mixer of both cultures with residents and their impression can also be seen until now. The process of Indian development was done very good through same networks. At first it was done through trade activities well, and there was not conflicted. Yet, in it development since focused on process of colonization since then the conflicts appeared together with kingdom of it place. One of them the conflict between the Kingdom of Cola India and the Kingdom of Lamuri in greater Aceh by the year 1030 M. These stories are reflected in Tanjore Prasasti in Nalanda India. The relationship of Aceh and India was not only at the classic time or Hinduism-Buddhism but not also it was at the Islamic time as well.
The role and influence of India in the process of Islam in the county was very strong. In understanding the stories about Aceh relationship and India, some literatures are used as references. Besides that, the observation of story object and culture also be observed. Aceh which situated in the strategic line among three big oceans, Malacca strait, Indian Ocean, and Andaman Ocean are very profitable and regarding as the trade crossing as well as international route. The relationship of India and Aceh grew long time ago which reflected as identity of nation culture that both nations have the similarity and common variety in life. Consequently, it required to be maintained well to the important and profitable of both two countries.
Article write by: Husaini Ibrahim (Directur WANSA), and has been precented in “International Conference on Prospects and Promotion of Trade, Intercommunication and Historical Ties: Andaman-Nicobar Island (ANI) and Weh Island-Sabang (Aceh, Indonesia)", Almuslim University 23-24 April 2016.
Grave Stoene Plak Pleng at Lamuri site, Krung raya, Greater Aceh, 15th Century
Pagoda at Tanjore India (1847), it was adopted from plak plieng in Aceh. Source: wikimedia.org