#WomensHistoryMonth Keumalahayati, also known as Malahayati, was the first female admiral in the world. She lived in 15th-16th century Aceh Sultanate, led an army of widows, named Inong Balee, in battles to fight against the Portuguese & Dutch for Aceh Sultanate 
She was a descendant of the founder of Aceh Sultanate. Her father & grandfather were respected admirals. She graduated from Islamic school, entered a military academy then married her Naval officer husband. When he was killed in a battle, she swore to take revenge for her husband
Malahayati led her Inong Balee Army in response to the insult of the sultan by a Dutch Expedition Commander, Cornelius de Houtman and after several violent battles, finally killed him in one-on-one fight on September 11,1599. She led many battles with her winning as an admiral
She was killed in combat while attacking the Portuguese fleet at Teuluk Krueng Raya, just as her husband. These days many universities, hospitals, roads, Sumatran cities, a port & a naval ship are named after her. In 2017 she was awarded as a honorary National Hero of Indonesia
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