National Heroes Day

William Dharmawan
(10 C / 10 level C)

On every 10th November, Indonesia celebrates Hari Pahlawan or National Heroes Day in the remembrance of the Battle of Surabaya which started on 10th November in the year 1945. The battle took place as Indonesians refused to surrender their defense to the British army which was part of the Allied forces then. The challenging Sutomo (or as we more known as Bung Tomo) is the well-known revolutionary leader who played a central role in this battle.

It’s all started due to a misunderstanding between British troops in Jakarta and those in Surabaya, under the command of General A. W. S. Mallaby. While General Mallaby already had an agreement with the Governor of East Java whom was at that time Mr. Surya, the agreement was that British would not ask Indonesian troops and militia to surrender their weapons, then a British plane from Jakarta dropped flyers all over Surabaya requesting Indonesians what to do otherwise on 27 October 1945. This action irritated the Indonesian troops and militia leaders because they felt betrayed.

On the 30th October 1945, General Mallaby was killed as he was coming to the British troops’ post , near JembatanMerah or Red Bridge, Surabaya. There were many reports surrounding the death but it was widely believed that the General was murdered by Indonesian militia. Looking at this situation, Lieutenant General Sir Philip Christison brought in troops in preparation of persecuting the city.

In the early morning of 10th November 1945, British troops began to move forward into Surabaya with cover from both marine and air attack. Even though the heroic battle from the Indonesians, half of the city was conquered within 3 days while the whole battle lasted for 3 weeks. In total, between 6,300 and 15,000 Indonesians died while the victims on the British side are only numbered at about 600.

The Battle of Surabaya caused Indonesia to lose protection which decreases the country’s independence struggle. However, the same battle provoked Indonesian and international mass to celebratory meeting for the country’s independence which made this battle especially important for Indonesian national revolution.