Sabang

Sabang is an Indonesian city comprised of Weh Island and numerous smaller islands off the northern coast of Sumatra. The administrative center is 17 kilometers northwest of Banda Aceh. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of 43,391. Sabang is renowned as Indonesia’s northernmost and westernmost city. It also has the smallest population of any Indonesian city. According to local legend, the island of Weh was originally connected to the mainland of Sumatra. It has been referenced as far back as Ptolemy in 301 BC, when it was referred to as “Golden Island.” During the early 11th and 12th centuries, the island was frequently visited by Arab and Indian traders who called the island “Shabag,” which is said to be the origin of the city name. Acehnese dubbed the town on the island “Ulee Iheuh,” which means “place for crossing.”