In the heart of Indonesia, in the province of Aceh, there is a unique story that unites Portugal and Indonesia, despite the distance that separates them. In Lamno, a local community stands out for having members with blue eyes, known as “mata biru” (blue eyes, in Indonesian). It is believed that this Portuguese tribe is descended from Portuguese sailors who arrived in the region in the 16th century, through a shipwreck. Discover the history of these people later in this article.
Although blue eyes are rare in Portugal, it was enough for a few sailors to have this genetic characteristic so that, through generations and endogamy in isolated communities, they became common in Lamno.
The arrival of the Portuguese in Aceh
The historical connection between Portugal and Indonesia dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, when the Portuguese, determined to dominate the lucrative spice trade, arrived in the Indonesian archipelago. Despite concentrating their bases in other parts of the region, they aimed to control the pepper trade from northern Sumatra to China. However, the difficult relationship with the sultans of Aceh made a prolonged presence before the arrival of the Dutch impossible.
Even so, they left marks in the region, such as the construction of a church, now located in one of the most Muslim areas in the world.
The birth of the “mata biru”
The origin of the Portuguese tribe of “mata biru” is associated with the sinking of a Portuguese ship off the coast of Aceh. According to local customs at the time, the surviving sailors became part of the community, marrying local women and converting to Islam. Over the centuries, a small community formed in Lamno where European features such as blue eyes, light hair and lighter skin became evident.
However, cultural and geographic isolation led to the gradual dilution of this heritage.
The decline of the community
Even before the devastating tsunami of 2004, the community faced challenges, but the catastrophe marked its almost total disappearance. Most of the Portuguese descendants in Lamno lost their lives, with only a few dozen survivors remaining. Today, the site is a shadow of its former self, with ruins and memories testifying to its former vitality.
Among the few survivors is Jamaluddin, a 45-year-old man with different physical features, such as fair skin and hairy arms. Despite having lost part of his family in the tsunami, Jamaluddin adapted to the multicultural life of Aceh, marrying outside the Portuguese community. Their children maintain some distinctive genetic traits, but are completely integrated into local society.
A disappearing legacy
The future of the Portuguese “mata biru” tribe is uncertain. Although some genetic characteristics may persist, the specific cultural identity of this community is at risk of disappearing. As VortexMag concludes, cited by , “the continuity of the Portuguese community in Aceh is uncertain”, but the Portuguese influence in Indonesia will continue to be remembered as proof of Portugal’s ability to leave lasting marks in the most remote places in the world.
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