Malahayati

In Europe, women were not allowed to participate in the voyage. Myth is, bringing women will cause misfortune. So for some time the marine world was dominated only by men of sailors.

Well, it turns out in Indonesia there is a brave woman who is not afraid of the ferocity of the ocean. His name is Keumalahayati, a great female warrior from the land of Rencong, Aceh.
World's First Marine Admiral

His name is not too well known in Indonesia when compared with other female heroes like Cut Nyak Dhien, Martha Christina Tiahahu, and others. But make no mistake this woman is not less tough than other fighters.
When Malacca fell into the hands of the Portuguese, Sultan Alauddin Mansur Syah who was the king of Aceh appointed Keumalahayati as his first marine admiral. At that time Malahayati had become a widow because her husband died in battle against the Portuguese. He then became admiral and led 2 thousand troops Inong Balee or widowed hero who has been martyred.
The Legendary Leader in the War Against the Netherlands and Portugal

Although a woman, nobody treats it with arbitrary or demeaning ability. The Acehnese soldiers and other Acehnese war generals have always respected Malahayati.

This is because Malahayati does not just talk. He is able to show himself as a great fighter and commander in every battle against the Portuguese and the Dutch. No one can play games with this woman.
Expelling Holland and Killing the Dutch Expeditionary Commander

In 1599, Cornelis de Houtman, who was the commander of the Dutch expedition, came to Aceh. Initially welcomed with the sultan, but instead he insulted the sultan, made a mess, and started attacking Aceh.
Malahayati then immediately led his Inong Balee troop and responded to the Dutch colonial challenge. Fierce fighting ensued. Malahayati and his army successfully pushed onto the deck of the ship de Houtman. With his own hand, Malahayati killed de Houtman on September 11, 1599 and the war was won by Aceh.
The Netherlands Back Makes Its Off

Still not kapok with his defeat first, the Dutch again made the act. In 1600, the sea led by Paul van Caerden robbed Aceh's merchant ship. An angry Malahayati ordered the arrest of one of the Dutch Admirals, Jacob van Neck. There are various incidents caused by this Dutch act.
With strong resistance from Malahayati and the pressure of the Spanish navy, the Dutch finally apologized to the Aceh kingdom and entered into an agreement and a ceasefire. Malahayati became the representative of Aceh in agreement with the Dutch Admiral. The Dutch then paid compensation and Malahayati relinquished the captured Dutchman.

His reputation goes to the Queen of England

His reputation as a guardian of the kingdom of Aceh to the ear of the Queen of England. On this basis, the Queen of England decided to do diplomacy in order to trade in the Strait of Malacca. Not with an assault like any other empire attempted to do.
Queen Elizabeth I then sent a letter to the Aceh sultan and Malahayati was sent to negotiate with a British representative. The agreement then succeeded in opening the trade route for the British Empire.
Died In Battle

His bravery continued to be demonstrated in his battle of expelling the Portuguese and the Dutch. Admiral Malahayati eventually died in the battle against the Portuguese sea fleet at Krueng Raya Bay.
His body was buried in the slope of Bukit Kota Dalam. A small fishing town 34 kilometers from the city of Banda Aceh. Now the name Malahayati is immortalized as the name of a war boat, a university, and several roads in Sumatra to commemorate his service and prowess.

His football as an admiral and diplomat does not play games. Even his reputation soared to the other country. This proves that Indonesian women actually have the ability to become great figures and not inferior to men. She does not have to worry about emancipation, but her own actions have shown the great ability of a woman.