Sari Report on Archeological Activities in Aceh in the First Quarter of 1915
Published by J. J. de Vink
Although I have mentioned in my report that I intend to move my work to Peurlak, near Idi, but I am not sworn for that purpose because of new findings around Kuta Raja.
In December, I was still with Dr. Hoesein Djajadingrat makes a visit to the 9 Mukim (Daroey) area, where in Kampung Biluy has been found many grave complexes, including one of the sultan's grave complex. According to Dr. Djajadingrat, the grave complex is very important. The next major cemetery complex has also been found in Kampung Lam Taduk.
After making photographs and carbon copies here, the practice was diverted to Kampung Punge, in the Kuta King. There are many grave complexes found and dug there, but nothing interesting. On the advice of Dr. Djajadiningrat, there are several carbon copies taken from there, but no photos.
I also repeatedly reside in other villages to investigate cemetery complexes. When I found something or other, I went back to visit Dr. Djajadiningrat. However, until now, the visits have not produced anything.
This report contains a map of Kuta Raja and its surroundings (scale 1: 40.000), from Lhok Nga to Ladong and Indrapuri, which explains the places where the graves were marked and photographed.
Early January I went to Daya (West Coast), and under military guard I visited the Poteu Meureuhom Daya tombstones in Cot Gle Jong. In Power, I am with Dr. Djajadiningrat who found the sultan's letter (sarakata with cap sikureung) purchased from the owner then sent to Batavia.
Furthermore, the cliches (the negative image on the portrait film) Master in the Cage I-1V, Kramat Tuan in the afternoon (?), Teungku Said (in Cot Lam Raya), Mr. Meurah, Blang Tutoeng, Blang Lam Ujoeng, Teungku Glumpang, Teungku Bak Asan , Ulee Lueng, Kampung Kandang and Meureuhom Daya, carbon copies from Ulee Lueng, Pirak Raja, Teungku in Muling, Kubu Aneuk Uleebalang, Jirat Raya, Tuan Siah and Tuan at Kandang (Biluy).
In this quarter 2350 Guilders (f) have been processed. ***
In particular, I mentioned a legend related to Kampung Bitai, told by an elderly man who lived there, that in the corners of the complex the tomb of Jirat Manyang had been buried vessels containing precious objects, but they were only to be found after do a threshing [by slaughtering an animal] (here, the real de Vink description of animal slaughter does not make sense, and I have straightened-MZ). Some of the tombstones there had been damaged, and according to Dr. Djajadiningrat there is no important inscription.
Kuta Raja, March 1915.
Published in:
(Oudheidkundige Dienst in Nederlandsch-Indie - Oudheikundig Verslag 1915: p.40-41)
*** Convert f 2350 to current IDR value:
Noveldesra Suhery:
1 florin (guilder) in 1920 could buy 7 kg of premium sugar.
f 40000 in 1916 can buy 5.6 kg of gold (5600 grams)
If the price of premium sugar today is Rp11,000 per kg, then 1 florin (guilder) in 1920 is equivalent to Rp77,000 (in 2015).
If the price of gold today (2015) is Rp530,000 per gram, then the price of 5600 grams of gold today (2015) is Rp2,968,000,000 (almost 3 billion Rupiah). That is, if Rp2,968,000,000 equals f40,000 (in 1916), then f1 (one guilder) of that year equals Rp74,200 today (2015).
Between these 2 information, (conversion with sugar price and gold price), the conversion of 1 guilder in 1916-1920 is equivalent to Rp 74,200 (May 2015).
Thus, the conversion f 2350 to the current IDR value is: Rp. 174,370,000, and it is for activities for 3 months.
Note:
This translation has to be done to find out what has been written about Aceh historical heritage at the beginning of last century, because hoping and waiting for the translation from other party (especially from the competent side), for now, will only waste time.
Because it is done by force, the shortage is inevitable. To the experts, please repair and refine, or even retranslate.