BENTENG INONG BALEE, LAMREH, MESJID RAYA, ACEH BESAR, ACEH, INDONESIA MAHS-IDN-ACH-ABS-MRY-S-004

Interlocutors: Abdullah and Ambo Asse Aziz (members of the local community) 

Interviewer: Ahmad Zaki  

Inong Balee was part of a series of defence forts in the shipping lane through the Malacca Strait during the rule of Sultan Alaidin Ali Riayat Shah Mukkamil (1589-1605). It is reminiscent of forts from the Middle East or Europe, with indications that fortification technology was adopted from visiting Turkish troops who visited during the reign of Sultan Alaudin al Kahar. The area of the fort was likely originally wider than what it appears today. Traces of ancient kingdoms and settlements, including the remains of gravestones and various artifacts are scattered around the fort area.