“The queen’s tomb is neglected and poorly maintained,” Acehnese historian and cultural expert Tarmizi A. Hamid, known as Cek Midi, said in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province, on Thursday.
His remarks followed a site visit with archaeologist Professor Husaini Ibrahim of Syiah Kuala University and Hasan Basri M. Nur, a lecturer from UIN Ar-Raniry, to the tomb in Gampong Runtoh, Delima Subdistrict, Pidie District.
The group visited the site to examine its condition and speak with local residents about efforts to maintain it.
They found that the tomb’s main stone structure had broken and was patched with cement.
The headstone and footstone were missing, the fence was falling apart, and no information board explained who Putroe Sani was -- only a small sign saying the site is protected as cultural heritage.
“Many people claim to be descendants of Sultan Iskandar Muda, but no one seems to care for his queen’s grave,” Cek Midi said.
Professor Husaini expressed similar concern, criticizing local authorities for not doing more to preserve such an important historical site.
Historical sources say Putroe Sani was the daughter of Teungku Syik di Reubee, a respected Islamic scholar and noble in Aceh.
“This is the grave of the queen of one of Aceh’s greatest rulers. It should not be treated this way,” Prof. Husaini added.
ANTARA noted that British historian Denys Lombard also studied Sultan Iskandar Muda extensively.
Starting in 1967, he researched historical texts and archives, eventually publishing The Kingdom of Aceh in the Era of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607–1636).
Lombard described Aceh as a powerful, urban Islamic kingdom with strong maritime trade, vibrant cultural development, and religious learning centers known as zawiyah.
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Translator: R.Fajri, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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