Weh, Sabang, dan Rubiah

Not much literature that can be obtained to explain the origin of Sabang. The legend that circulated in the community of Sabang, which is located in Pulau Weh, an island that was once united with the mainland of Sumatra. However, in an earthquake, thousands and even tens of thousands of years ago, the island is separated from the mainland. So also with the surrounding islands.

M Nour Syafarie (59), residents of Sabang, claimed to have heard the legend. He half-believed, half not.

Legend has it a beautiful princess who inhabit this island, which is part of the Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam-ask the Creator for the land on these islands can be planted. For that, he threw all his jewelry as evidence of its seriousness. In return, the Creator and then to rain and earthquakes in the region.

Then the lake was formed and given the name Aneuk Laot. Lake area of approximately 30 acres that until recently a source of water for the people of Sabang although the water level continues to shrink. After his wish is fulfilled, the princess threw herself into the sea.

Although no clear written sources, wants the princess for Sabang into a fertile and beautiful area at least reflected from the beautiful marine park around Sabang. Such conditions have also been given a living reality to the public.

Originally Sabang

Sabang own name, Nur's knowledge, derived from the language of Aceh, "every", which means the same flat or without discrimination.The word that depart from Sabang those characters who tend to easily accept outsiders or visitors. This character is somewhat different from the general character of the Acehnese people who tend to be closed to new they know.

"Maybe because the long conflict that many Acehnese who choose closed," said Djafar (45), a resident of Sabang.

Another version says that the name comes from the Arabic Sabang "shabag", which means the volcano erupted.

Naming Sabang allegedly departed from the many volcanoes in Sabang which traces can be seen in hot water attractions Jaboi.Currently, these attractions are no longer leaving the hot water. But, the remnants of sulfur in there to strengthen that ever existed volcano there.

Weh Island or Sabang has been known worldwide since the beginning of the 15th century. Chinese explorer, Cheng Ho, had stopped there in 1413-1415.

Note Ma Huan, one of Cheng Ho's translator, explained that the northwest of mainland Aceh there with towering mountains, which he named Mount Mao. There are about 30 families.

In his book Ying Yai Sheng Lan, later translated into The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores, Ma Huan told that the land was to be one haven of merchants from various countries.

Mount Mao who stood out from the sea would be a beacon or marker for the merchant. Sabang itself is producing the best lacquer wood and lotus flower production.

"Many historians assert that it is Mount Mao is Pulau Weh," said researchers from the Center for Historical Studies and Social Sciences, State University of Medan, Erond L Damanik.

Sabang Erond also suspect that when it became one part of the maritime trade network that stretched from the Persian Gulf to South China in the 12th century until the 15th. Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India included.

Weh Island itself is the Indonesian border areas with India and Thailand.

Looking at historical records, the Erond not be surprised if later in the free port of Sabang standing. Therefore, traffic is interstate commerce has been going on since long Sabang.

Before World War II, Sabang be one important port city, even more important than Singapore (Temasek). Free port of Sabang has been running since 1895. Sabang increasingly strategic position as Indonesia establish regional economic cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand in 1985.

Beginning in January 2000 President Abdurrahman Wahid insisted Sabang as a free port and free trade zones. Imported goods through tax-free Sabang. Luxury cars from Singapore for sale in the city.

However, when Aceh was designated as a military operation zone, the activity of the free port of Sabang as stalled.

Free port activities increasingly deserted by the publication of Decree of the Minister of Industry and Trade (Minister of Industry) Number 610/MPP/Kep / 10/2004 concerning Amendment to Decree of the Minister of Industry Number 756/MPP/Kep/12/2003 of Non-New Capital Goods Imports. There can no longer used items to be entered from all over the Indonesian border areas, including Sabang.

Rubiah

In the islands, in addition to Sabang, there are also Rubiah.Located right in front Iboih, about 20 kilometers west of Sabang.To reach the area of public transportation available from Harbour Balohan.

Just like Sabang, not much written literature can be obtained about the existence of this island. Legend of Rubiah blend with the Sabang.

Go to Iboih would be less if we do not visit Rubiah because most marine parks around the island region.

Walking to the island we will find some bungalows that once inhabited a number of actors in the Aceh peace-PemerintahIndonesia.

A little to the middle of the island, we will find buildings that are similar to community health centers. Inquired have inquired, newly renovated building that houses it was the former home quarantine pilgrim who will go to the Holy Land.

Newly renovated building was impressed not maintained. Waist-high grass growing around adults. The back of the main building, which consists of four bathrooms, let moss. Some bats make it home during the day. It seemed once that building was never used again.

Saliza Mohammadar, Iboih Inn owner, was shocked to see photographs of the building. Despite more than two years living in Iboih, he admitted had never seen the building. "When used properly, be used as gallery for the exhibition of old photographs, will be very good. Visitors must have a lot that interested, "he said excitedly.

Mid-1900s era, known as the embarkation Sabang Sumatra pilgrims. Several neighboring congregation participate dispatch from Sabang. But, now, the building moved to Love Beach, Sabang. Nuns, and pilgrims, just stay a long story. (KOMPAS.com)