Pidie Regency (also known as: Pidie, Pědir;[2] "king of"; Indonesian: Kabupaten Pidie) is a regency of Aceh Province, located in the north of the island of Sumatra, in western Indonesia. It is bordered by the Malacca Strait and Pidie Jaya Regency (which was formerly a part of Pidie Regency until it was separated out in 2007) in the north, Aceh Besar Regency in the west, Bireuen Regency in the northeast, and Aceh Jaya Regency in the south. The regency covers an area of 3,184.46 square kilometres and had a population of 379,108 people at the 2010 Census[3] and 435,275 at the 2020 Census;[4] the official estimate as of mid 2024 was 456,942 (comprising 227,933 males and 229,009 females).[1] The administrative capital is in the town of Sigli, although the surrounding Pidie District contains the suburbs of the town and is more populous. Pidie Regency was the largest rice-producing area of Aceh province, producing some 20% of its total output.[5]

Pidie Regency
Kabupaten Pidie
Official seal of Pidie Regency
Location within Aceh
Location within Aceh
Pidie Regency is located in Aceh
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency
Location in Aceh, Northern Sumatra, Sumatra and Indonesia
Pidie Regency is located in Northern Sumatra
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency (Northern Sumatra)
Pidie Regency is located in Sumatra
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency (Sumatra)
Pidie Regency is located in Indonesia
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency
Pidie Regency (Indonesia)
Coordinates: 4°40′00″N 96°00′00″E / 4.66667°N 96°E / 4.66667; 96
Country Indonesia
RegionSumatra
Province Aceh
Established1956
Regency seatSigli
Government
  RegentSarjani Abdullah [id]
  Vice RegentAlzaizi [id]
Area
  Total
3,184.46 km2 (1,229.53 sq mi)
Population
 (mid 2025 estimate)[1]
  Total
456,942
  Density143.491/km2 (371.641/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+7 (IWST)
Area code(+62) 653
Websitepidiekab.go.id

History

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Pidie Regency has a long and storied history, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation in the area dating back thousands of years. Pidie Regency also has a rich historical background, with its history intertwined with the broader history of the Aceh region. The area has been influenced by various kingdoms and colonial powers over the centuries. It was once part of the Sultanate of Aceh, which was an important Islamic kingdom in the region. During the Dutch colonial period, Pidie was integrated into the broader colonial administration of Aceh. Historical sites and landmarks can be found in most of the regency, reflecting its diverse past.

Culture

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The population of Pidie Regency is predominantly of Acehnese descent, with a strong Islamic heritage. Traditional customs and ceremonies are an integral part of daily life, and the regency is known for its rich artistic traditions and spiritual practices. Festivals and cultural events are celebrated throughout the year, showcasing the region's unique heritage.

Economy

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The economy of Pidie Regency is largely based on agriculture, with rice, corn, coffee, and other crops being significant contributors to the local economy. Fishing and livestock farming are also important economic activities. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve infrastructure and boost local industries to support economic development.

Administrative divisions

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The regency is divided administratively into twenty-three districts (kecamatan), listed below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census[3] and the 2020 Census,[4] together with the official estimates as of mid 2025.[1] The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of administrative villages (gampong) in each district, and its post code.

Kode
Wilayah
Name of
District
(kecamatan)
Area
in
km2
Pop'n
Census
2010
Pop'n
Census
2020
Pop'n
Estimate
mid 2025
Admin
centre
No.
of
villages
Post
code
11.07.05Geumpang657.076,0087,1847,530Geumpang524167
11.07.27Mane675.047,7868,9059,313Mane424189
11.07.06Glumpang Tiga54.8416,88819,34820,356Glumpang Minyeuk3424183
11.07.29Glumpang Baro12.129,62210,98111,540Cot Glumpang2124180
11.07.13Mutiara16.7518,41821,04122,092Beureunuen2924173
11.07.24Mutiara Timur
(East Mutiara)
31.2430,76735,31937,085Bandar Mutiara4824175
11.07.21Tiro (Truseb)174.697,0978,4408,837Tiro1924174
11.07.19Tangse786.5823,50926,94828,327Tangse2824166
11.07.22Keumala49.308,90510,49210,994Keumala1824165
11.07.31Titeue27.426,1017,1767,524Titeue1324168
11.07.17Sakti38.5218,81721,37422,470Kota Bakti4924164
11.07.11Mila35.328,0689,83510,341Mila2024163
11.07.14Padang Tiji257.5919,63324,06325,189Padang Tiji6424161
11.07.04Delima24.9918,65921,67322,733Reubee4424161
11.07.25Grong-Grong7.776,2096,7537,095Grong-Grong1524150
11.07.07Indrajaya25.4120,71523,32524,523Caleue4924171
11.07.15Peukan Baro17.2918,25320,61921,716Lampoih Saka4824172
11.07.08Kembang Tanjong28.8719,31521,60922,723Kembang Tanjong4524182
11.07.18Simpang Tiga24.8620,29123,21124,378Simpang Tiga5224181
11.07.09Kota Sigli
(Sigli town)
6.5618,82920,20221,223Kota Sigli1524115
-24119
11.07.16Pidie (district)26.0939,81445,45247,764Lhok Keutapang6424151
11.07.03Batee46.1118,07720,58921,566Batee2824152
11.07.12Muara Tiga160.0317,42720,73621,623Laweueng1824153
Totals3,184.46379,108435,275456,942Kota Sigli730

Notable people

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References

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  1. 1 2 3 Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 27 February 2026, Kabupaten Pidie Dalam Angka 2026 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.1109)
  2. Ricklefs, M.C. (2008). History of Modern Indonesia Since c. 1200. Stanford University Press. p. 364.
  3. 1 2 Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011.
  4. 1 2 Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021.
  5. Kell, Tim (2010). The roots of Acehnese rebellion 1989-1992. Jakarta: Equinox Publishing. ISBN 978-602-8397-17-9. OCLC 630315910.

4°40′00″N 96°00′00″E / 4.66667°N 96°E / 4.66667; 96