Trade Role in Shaping Multicultural Society Aceh During Iskandar Muda Period

Abstract

This study aims to determine: 1) socio-economic life period of Iskandar Muda. 2) The role of
trade in shaping the multicultural society of Aceh. This study uses qualitative research methods
with the historical approach. In the aspect of social life of contemporary Acehnese Iskandar
Muda is open to outside influence for these effects was not against the rules or traditions of the
people of Aceh. In the economic aspect, the lives of the people of Aceh strongly influenced by
trading activity. At the time of Iskandar Muda, Aceh became an important trading port for local
merchants, regional and international levels. Trading activity is what causes the formation of
Aceh multiethnic society, evidenced by the number of ethnic villages, among others: Arab
settlements (Pekojan), Javanese village, township Malay, Indian Village, etc. These
communities live side by side so as to create a social harmony.
Keyword : Aceh, multiculturalism, trade