National Heroes Day

National Heroes Day is a remembrance celebrated on 10 November in Indonesia. The day commemorates the 1945 Battle in Surabaya, in which Indonesian soldiers fought fearlessly and endlessly against the British and Dutch troops as part of the Indonesian National Revolution.

After the armistice between Indonesia and the United Kingdom was signed on October 29, 1945, the battles were gradually decreasing, but there were still a few battles going on (the battle between the people of Surabaya and the army of the United Kingdom). The battle began when Brigadier General Mallaby’s (the leadership of the army of the United Kingdom to East Java) passed through the Red Bridge. A misunderstanding led to the shootout that led to Mallaby’s death.

After Mallaby’s death, his successor, Major General Robert Mansergh issued an ultimatum that says all the leaders and soldiers of Indonesia had to surrender themselves along with their weaponry. The limit of the ultimatum is on 6 a.m. on November 10, 1945.

The ultimatum was later rejected by the leaders and soldiers of Indonesia, because it was considered a humiliation for the leaders and soldiers that had helped build the Republic of Indonesia that was already stabilizing at the time.

Bung Tomo, one of the national heroes from Surabaya, was one of the most revolutionary and inspiring heroes from Indonesia. He motivated soldiers through a motivational speach on the radio. In addition to Bung Tomo, there are other influencial figures, like KH. Ash’ari, KH Hasyim, Wahab Hasbullah, and many more.

The bloody battle in Surabaya that took thousands of lives sparked a rebelion to fight against the British and Dutch soldiers. The people that died on 10^th of November were remembered as national heroes, and from that moment on, the 10^th of November is known as National Heroes Day. This momentum to commemorate the services of the heroes who have willingly sacrificed their soul, body, and wealth to defend and fight until their last breath for their independence.

To appreciate the struggle of the heroes, we as the younger generation have the task to give a new meaning to heroism and fill independence with great things. We should think like the heroes that came before us, by not giving up easily, keep trying, and fight until we can’t fight anymore.

            Created by Felix Ivander Salim (8A)