[1] The Alas villagers of the kampung Kuta Reh had decided not to surrender after the Dutch annexation of the Aceh Sultanate in 1903.

Kempees wrote later that year: When the Marechaussees were on shore, it turned out that there was a dense crowd of men, women and children inside.

This was a most critical moment for our men, for if from that mass a counter-attack was launched against the breastwork, then they would surely be thrown back by their numerical inferiority.

Each bullet made several hits in these close ranks, and in a very short time the bloody drama was over, and the most dangerous of throngs lay before us.

After we had fully mastered the situation, the order to halt on the breastwork for a few moments was given to regain full control of the troops, and to allow the excitement time to settle down.