Keris Panjang or Executioner keris

[eli]

I have always wondered on the role keris Panjang plays in Indonesian society. I have come to understand that it is meant for judges kings or people who have the right to execute somebody. But is Its role first and foremost as a weapon of execution or as a symbol of power? Does anybody know when the first keris Panjang started showing up? Does anybody know why Keris panjang seem to be mainly made In Sumatra and Malaysia and what is it's role in these societies? Finally what does the word Panjang itself mean . thanks for any help in advance!