September 26, 1910.
Cut Nyak Meutia sank into deep grief when her husband, Pang Nanggroe, died in a battle with the Dutch army. However, he did not dissolve in prolonged grief. The death of her husband even fueled the spirit of struggle to expel the Dutch colonialists.
This is the second loss of her husband to Cut Nyak Meutia. Previously, Cut Meutia's first husband, Teuku Chik Muhammad or better known as Teuku Chik Ditunong, was arrested by the Dutch in March 1905. The Dutch then executed Teuku Chik Ditunong by the beach in Lhokseumawe.
Before his death, Teuku Chik Ditunong asked his best friend, Pang Nanggroe, to marry Cut Meutia and take care of their son, Teuku Raja Sabi.
"The time has come for me to be free from the demands of punishment. When the day of our separation is approaching, therefore, take care of my son I allow my wife to marry you, and continue the struggle."
That was the message of Teuku Chik Ditunong as written in the book Cut Meutia: National Heroes and His Son (1979) by Ismail Yakub.
So, after losing her husband twice in Dutch hands, Cut Meutia also led a war against the Dutch army. She attacked and seized colonial outposts while moving towards Gayo through the jungle.
However, on October, 24 1910, Cut Meutia and her entry clashed with Marechausée in Alue Kurieng. In that battle Cut Meutia is died.
Cut Meutia was then buried in the Aceh Utara area. Now, the tomb is located in a remote area of Pirak Timu, a remote sub-district in North Aceh. The terrain to get there is very difficult. Road access is very difficult, mourners have to walk 5 kilometers.
However, access to Cut Meutia's house in Masjid Pirak Village, Matangkuli District, North Aceh, is easier. The road is paved and the condition of the Aceh traditional house looks well maintained. At least that is what we saw right on the 75th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, on August 17, 2020.
That place should be one of the historical tourist destinations in Aceh Utara. There are traditional houses, monuments, houses on stilts, jeungki (tools for pounding rice, and kroong (traditional means of storing rice for the Acehnese people). Jeungki and kroong are now almost never seen again in Acehnese houses, especially in urban areas.
Cut Meutia's house is located about 31.4 kilometers from Lhokseumawe City and can be reached in about 55 minutes across the Medan - Banda Aceh state road. For visitors who are not accompanied by a guide, it may be difficult to enter the Matangkuli area. Many turns when crossing the residential area. The road there is also very small.
Before arriving at Cut Meutia's house, we will see a stretch of green rice fields. A scene like this is only visible in the growing season — of course. After harvest, you can see only empty fields.
Unfortunately, there aren't any souvenirs that can be bought around Cut Meutia's house. Places to buy food and drinks are also basic. This condition may be because there are not many visitors to the location. Homework for the local government to continue to boost promotion. []
