The Role of Mukim in Aceh Development

Abstract

Aceh is one of the well-known province of the Aceh Kingdom, one of the great Islamic Kingdom in the world. Islam creates all cultures in Aceh, including the government system. Mukim is unique, only found in the Aceh government structure, influenced by Islam. This study addressed this research problem: To what extent mukim play his roles in Aceh development. The method employed was social research supported by library research. The result showed that the first function of Mukim was a leader of Friday praying. Because of the charismatic profile and his ability to stand and mediate between Sultan and people, the position of Mukim was very strategic in the development of Aceh. Unfortunately, after the Independence of Indonesia, role and function of Mukim had reduced. Even in new order era, there was not any Mukim left due to the centralistic system. Later, in the reformation era, Mukim reappears in the government. Regulation number 6 of the Year 2014 about Village was established after the government has seriously considered how to increase the development with Acehnese culture. To sum up, Mukim today reclaims his position, but the function is different from the time in the period of Aceh Kingdom. Government must strive to reformulate the function of Mukim as he used to.