Heroes have sacrificed their souls for the greatness and glory of the nation and state. That is why, the figures of history is worthy of exemplary, exemplified by his behavior and remembered his good deeds. Especially for the younger generation as the heir of the struggle and filler of the struggle.
One of the national heroes from Aceh is Teuku Nyak Arif. The struggle to defend the nation and the country is well known. The history of the struggle of Panglima Sagi 26 Mukim of Aceh Besar area since 1920 which was also the first Aceh Resident / Governor (1945-1956) was later written by Mardanas Safwan in Teuku Nyak Arif Biography, published Balai Pustaka, Jakarta 1992.
Quoted from the book, one senior journalist in Indonesia, H. Mohammad Said in his book, Aceh Throughout the Ages, wrote: "However, Teuku Nyak Arif's service in the struggle for independence can not be underestimated. That he was evacuated to Takengon and died there should not be seen from the prejudice that his services no longer exist. We read a lot of revolutionary reports, even the French revolution itself, how the people at the forefront of promoting the revolution have been judged otherwise. Indeed, history can let it be closed with true reports of facts. But if we are still in time, why should we let someone shrouded in the fog that protects the truth. "
Teuku Nyak Arif passed away in Takengon, May 4, 1946. From Takengon, his body was taken to Kutaraja and buried in the family funeral grounds in Lamreung. Tomb of Teuku Nyak Arif side by side with the grave of his own father, Teuku Nyak Banta.
In recognition of its services, the Minister of Social Affairs through the Decree of the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number Pol. 1/62 / PK / 72 dated February 17, 1962, establishes Teuku Nyak Arif as the pioneer of the Indonesian Independence Movement. After an in-depth study by the government on the biography and its struggle, the President then through Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia no. 071 / TK / Year 1974 dated November 9, 1974, set the deceased Teuku Nyak Arif as National Hero.
Minister of Social Affairs Prof. Dr. Haryati Subadto then inaugurated the restoration of the tomb of National Hero Teuku Nyak Arif in Lamreung Village, Meunasah Baktrieng, Ingin Jaya Sub-district, Aceh Besar District, Province of Special Region of Aceh, 17 September 1991, afternoon.
So, how the life of Teuku Nyak Arif? Here's his story from childhood to becoming Panglima Sagi 26 Mukim, quoted from the book Biography Teuku Nyak Arif:
Smart and brave
Teuku Nyak Arif was born in Ulee Lheue, July 17, 1899. His father, Teuku Nyak Banta, had a position as Commander of Sagi 26 Mukim. His mother, Cut Nyak Rayeuk comes from Ulee Lheue.
Since childhood, Teuku Nyak Arif has been a smart, courageous and hard-working child. He has always been a leader among his friends, both in school and outside school. The most favorite game of Teuku Nyak Arif is soccer. He always stands out as a field star. In addition to sports, Teuku Nyak Arif enjoys the arts. He can play the violin well. He can also play a magic show in a meeting of friends, as entertainment and recreation.
After completing the lessons at the elementary school / Kutaraja School (Banda Aceh now), Teuku Nyak Arif was put by his parents to King's School (Kweekschool) in Bukittinggi. The distance between Banda Aceh and Bukitinggi is not close, especially when the relationship is not as smooth as it is now. According to the beliefs of his parents, Teuku Nyak Arif in addition to demanding knowledge must also increase the experience with schooling in other areas. Teuku Nyak Arif at a very young age has been alive from his parents, his brothers and his family.
While studying in Bukittinggi from 1908 to 1913, Teuku Nyak Arif was a smart child. Each year he goes to class with satisfactory results. He also has many friends, both inside and outside school. Director of Bukittinggi King School, B.J. Visser is very happy to Teuku Nyak Arif, because he is a smart kid, so always get praise. Friends of the region with Teuku Nyak Arif who attend school in Bukittinggi include Teuku Ad, Teuku Moh. Ali and Teuku Leman.
The name Teuku Nyak Arif was at that time very well known among the Kweekschool disciples whom Indonesians called the King School. Kings School children in Bukittinggi are mostly housed in dormitories, especially children from outside West Sumatra. The association of children living inside the dorms is generally more intimate than those living outside.
The Bukittinggi King School has two majors: the Master's department and the Pamong Praja (government) department. Teuku Nyak Arif chose the Department of Pamong Praja, because he is a candidate for Commander of Sagi 26 Mukim.