Not much literature can be obtained to explain the origin of Sabang City. Legend circulating in the community of Sabang, located on Pulau Weh, the island was once united with the mainland of Sumatra. However, due to earthquakes, thousands and even tens of thousands of years ago, the island is separated from the mainland. So also with the surrounding islands, such as Rondo Island, Rubiah Island, Seulako Island and Klah Island.
Around 301 BC, a Greek earth expert, Ptolomacus sailed eastward and anchored on an unknown island in the mouth of the Strait of Malacca, Weh! Then he mentioned and introduced the island as Golden Island on the map of the sailors.
In the 12th century, Sinbad made a voyage from Sohar, Oman, far across the ocean through the Maldives route, Kalkit Island (India), Sri Lanka, Andaman, Nias, Weh, Penang and Canton (China). Sinbad anchored on an island and also named it Golden Island, the island that people now know by the name of Weh Island.
And at the beginning of the 15th century. Chinese explorer, Cheng Ho, had stopped there in 1413-1415. Note Ma Huan, one of Cheng Ho's translators, explained that in the northwest of Aceh there is a land with a towering mountain, which he named Mount Mao. There are about 30 families. Many historians assert that what Mount Mao means is Pulau Weh.
In his book Ying Yai Sheng Lan which is then translated into The Overall Survey of The Ocean's Shores, Ma Huan tells that the land became one of the transit places of merchants from various countries.
Mount Mao that looks striking from the ocean becomes a beacon or a marker for the merchants. Sabang itself is the best laka wood producer and producer of lotus flower.
Erond also suspected that Sabang was then part of a maritime commerce network stretching from the Persian Gulf to Southern China in the 12th to 15th centuries. Thailand, Sri Lanka and India are included.
The Origin of the Name of Sabang and Pulau Weh
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The name Sabang itself, derived from the Acehese language "Saban", which means equally or without discrimination. The word departs from the character of the Sabang people who tend to easily accept immigrants or visitors. The character is somewhat different from the character of the Acehnese generally who tend to be closed to people they just know.
Another version states that the name Sabang derived from the Arabic language, namely "Shabag" which means the mountain erupted. Once upon a time there were still many active volcanoes in Sabang, it can still be seen in volcanoes in Jaboi and Volcanoes in the sea of Laot Men.
While Weh Island is derived from the word in aceh language, "weh" which means to move, according to the history of the island Weh was originally a unity with the island of Sumatra, namely the union of Sabang mainland with Ulee Lheue land. Ulee Lheue in Banda Aceh comes from the word Ulee Lheueh ("Lheueh":
Which is detached). Happened, that the volcano was the one (mentioned above) erupted and caused the region apart. As well as Java and Sumatra first, separated by Krakatau erupted.
In another version, Pulau Weh is also famous for the island of "We" without h. There is assumed if weh island named island we because it looks like the letter "W".
According to a legend beautiful princess who inhabit this island to ask the Creator to land on these islands can be planted. For that, he threw away all his jewels as proof of his seriousness. In return, the Creator then sends down rain and earthquakes in the region.
Then formed a lake ago named Aneuk Laot. Lake area of approximately 30 hectares it up to now become a source of water for the community Sabang although the water level continues to shrink. After his wish was fulfilled, the princess threw herself into the sea.
Although there is no clear written sources, the princess wishes to Sabang become fertile and beautiful area at least reflected from the beautiful marine park around Sabang. Such conditions have in fact also provided livelihoods to the community.
Pulau Weh or Sabang has been known to the world since the beginning of the 15th century. Around the year 1900, Sabang is a fishing village with harbors and a good climate. Then the Dutch built a coal depot there, the harbor deepened, utilizing the terrain, so that a place that could hold 25,000 tons of coal had been awakened.
Steam vessels, coal-fired ships, from many countries, stop by to pick up coal, fresh water and other existing facilities, this can be seen with the abundance of Dutch heritage buildings. Before World War II, Sabang port was very important compared to Singapore. However, when the diesel-powered Marine vessels were used, Singapore became more needed, and Sabang began to be forgotten.
In 1970, the government of the Republic of Indonesia planned to develop Sabang in various aspects, including fisheries, industry, trade and others. Sabang Port itself eventually became a free port and became one of the most important ports in Indonesia. But finally closed in 1986 on the grounds of being an area prone to smuggling of goods.
Early January 2000 President Abdurrahman Wahid confirmed Sabang as a free port and free trade area. Imported goods through Sabang tax free. Luxury cars from Singapore are sold cheaply in the city.
However, when Aceh was designated as a military operation area, Sabang's activities as a free harbor ceased. The activities of free harbors are increasingly quiet with the issuance of the Decree of the Minister of Industry and Trade No. 610 / MPP / Kep / 10/2004 on Amendment to Decree of Minister of Industry and Trade Number 756 / MPP / Kep / 12/2003 on Import of Non-New Capital Goods. No more used goods may enter from all border areas of Indonesia, including Sabang.