rencong is the symbol and weapon of aceh people

For Acehnese, rencong is an inheritance used by them, especially men. Even in the time of the kingdoms of Aceh, adult boys are encouraged to have a rencong so that he can 'take care of himself'.

rencong in Acehnese language called reuncong, is a traditional sharp weapon of Acehnese society. Because of its peculiarities, besides being called "Veranda of Mecca", the Special Territory of Aceh is also known as "Tanah Rencong".

in addition to self-defense equipment, rencong is a symbol of the greatness of the Acehnese aristocracy and the symbol of the courage of the Acehnese fighters against the colonial. As a symbol of courage and heroism of the people of Aceh, we can see the existence of rencong on photographs or paintings of heroes from Aceh. this weapon tucked into the waist as a marker of egalitarianism and height of dignity.

Rencong Aceh is said to have been known by the people of Aceh since the establishment of the Islamic Kingdom; Pasai, sometime in the 12th century. with all the development and evolution of its form until it reaches perfection as we see it today, is closely related to the Islamic faith.

According to T. Syamsudin, et al (1981), in function and usefulness, initially this Rencong Aceh is a cutting tool or home utensil. of course at first roughly shaped, over time shaped smooth and smooth.

This is the task of the blacksmiths in Aceh known as Pandee Beusou. then during the war against the Portuguese, during the reign of Sultan Ali Muqhayat Shah (1514-1528), that was when rencong was first used as a weapon.
philosophically, rencong oriented to the belief of Islam as a religion that is very influential in the socio-cultural life of the people of Aceh.

Some claim, in terms of shape rencong handle that curved and then thickened on the elbow so that it resembles the Arabic script BA. the shape of the handles holding grip is a SIN script.

The tapered shapes that descend down on the iron base near the handle resemble the MIM script. Iron stripes from the base of the handle to 'near the end are LAM characters.

pointed ends with a flat top flat and a slightly curved upwards are HA characters. Then the sequence of BA, MIM, LAM, and HA characters embodies the phrase "BISMILLAH".

so in this opinion, Rencong Aceh is the reaction and the embodiment of the phrase "BISMILLAH" in the form of a sharp weapon as a means of war to defend the religion of Islam from rongrongan people who are anti-Islam or invaders.

in its development, today rencong besides functioning as a valuable heirloom for the people of Aceh, we also know as a souvenir object. There is a rencong whose handles are made of horns, ivory or handles wrapped with gold or suasa.

the types of rencong known in the Acehnese community are rencong Meupucok, rencong meucugek, rencong pudoi and rencong meukuree. Each type has its own uniqueness and uniqueness.

it is no wonder that rencong for the people of Aceh is not just a weapon but a symbol of faith and self-esteem made with a very high artistic taste.