a people in Indonesia living in the northern part of the island of Sumatra, in the region of the former sultanate of Achin. In 1967 the population was estimated at 1.7 million.
The Achinese language, a member of the Indonesian group, is spoken. The religion is Islam. The chief occupation is the farming of rice, black pepper, coconut, rubber plants, and so on. Native crafts include weaving, plaiting of mats, metal-working, and boat building. The Achinese have a literature that is rich and original.