Pidie Regency (also known as: Pidie, Pědir; "king of"; ) 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 in the north, by Pidie Jaya Regency (which was formerly a part of Pidie Regency until it was separated off on 2 January 2007) and Bireuen Regency in the northeast, by Aceh Besar Regency and Aceh Jaya Regency in the west, and by Aceh Barat Regency and Aceh Tengah Regency in the southeast.
The regency covers a land area of 3,184.46 square kilometres and had a population of 379,108 people at the 2010 CensusBiro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011. and 435,275 at the 2020 Census;Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021. the official estimate as of mid 2025 was 456,942 (comprising 227,933 males and 229,009 females).Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 27 February 2026, Kabupaten Pidie Dalam Angka 2026 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.1109) 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.
History
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
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
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 The regency is divided administratively into twenty-three districts (kecamatan), listed below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 CensusBiro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011. and the 2020 Census,Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021. together with the official estimates as of mid 2025.Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 27 February 2026, Kabupaten Pidie Dalam Angka 2026 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.1109) The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of administrative villages (gampong) in each district, and its post code.
KodeWilayah Name ofDistrict(kecamatan) Area in km2 Pop'nCensus2010 Pop'nCensus2020 Pop'nEstimatemid 2025 Admin centre No. ofvillagesPostcode 11.07.05 Geumpang 657.07 6,008 7,184 7,530 Geumpang 524167 11.07.27 Mane 675.04 7,786 8,905 9,313 Mane 424189 11.07.06 Glumpang Tiga 54.84 16,888 19,348 20,356 Glumpang Minyeuk 3424183 11.07.29 Glumpang Baro 12.12 9,622 10,981 11,540 Cot Glumpang 2124180 11.07.13 Mutiara 16.75 18,418 21,041 22,092 Beureunuen 2924173 11.07.24 Mutiara Timur (East Mutiara) 31.24 30,767 35,319 37,085 Bandar Mutiara 4824175 11.07.21 Tiro (Truseb) 174.69 7,097 8,440 8,837 Tiro 1924174 11.07.19 Tangse 786.58 23,509 26,948 28,327 Tangse 2824166 11.07.22 Keumala 49.30 8,905 10,492 10,994 Keumala 1824165 11.07.31 Titeue 27.42 6,101 7,176 7,524 Titeue 1324168 11.07.17 Sakti 38.52 18,817 21,374 22,470 Kota Bakti 4924164 11.07.11 Mila 35.32 8,068 9,835 10,341 Mila 2024163 11.07.14 Padang Tiji 257.59 19,633 24,063 25,189Padang Tiji 6424161 11.07.04 Delima 24.99 18,659 21,673 22,733 Reubee 4424161 11.07.25 Grong-Grong 7.77 6,209 6,753 7,095 Grong-Grong1524150 11.07.07 Indrajaya 25.41 20,715 23,325 24,523 Caleue 4924171 11.07.15 Peukan Baro 17.29 18,253 20,619 21,716 Lampoih Saka 4824172 11.07.08 Kembang Tanjong 28.87 19,315 21,609 22,723 Kembang Tanjong 4524182 11.07.18 Simpang Tiga 24.86 20,291 23,211 24,378 Simpang Tiga 5224181 11.07.09 Kota Sigli (Sigli town) 6.56 18,829 20,202 21,223 Kota Sigli 1524115-24119 11.07.16 Pidie (district) 26.09 39,814 45,452 47,764 Lhok Keutapang 6424151 11.07.03 Batee 46.11 18,077 20,589 21,566 Batee 2824152 11.07.12 Muara Tiga 160.03 17,427 20,736 21,623 Laweueng 1824153 Totals 3,184.46 379,108 435,275 456,942Kota Sigli 730
Notable people Zaini Abdullah, governor of Aceh 2013–2018 Teungku Chik di Tiro, Indonesian national hero Daud Beureueh, military governor of Aceh Teuku Mohammad Hasan, first governor of Sumatra Ibrahim Hasan, former governor of Aceh and former minister for food Hasan Tiro, founder and command center of GAM Teuku Iskandar, scholar, one of the founders of Syiah Kuala University Aceh
References