Dutch checkpoint

In 1891 and 1892, Snouck lived in Kuta Raja, which was protected by the so-called ‘geconcentreerde linie’ [fortified line]. Built in 1884, the line consisted of 16 bentengs [forts] connected to each other and to Kuta Raja via a tram track. The area was protected by an iron fence with guardhouses. However, the hoped-for subjugation of the people of Aceh did not happen. According to Snouck, the Dutch within the fortified line were 'like a chained monkey who could be teased to the brink of madness by a number of boys without much danger to their well-being; the Kampong residents around us fear both the monkey's bites and the stings of its attackers'.

Dutch checkpoint in the fortified line around Kuta Raja with the mountains of the west coast of Aceh in the background1892, inv.nr. KITLV 4917.