10 November is a historic day for Indonesia to remember the struggles of thousands of Indonesian people who have died because of the battle 74 years ago. The Battle of Surabaya is the largest war that occurred after the Independence Day on 17 August 1945.
In an effort to boost the spirit of nationalism, let’s respect people who have fought in the Battle of Surabaya against the British and British Indian troops. The peak of battle was in November 1495 and was the heaviest battle of the revolution.
Since then it has been considered a heroic effort by Indonesians as the battle helped galvanize international support for Indonesia’s independence.
5 Patriotic Figures Behind the National Heroes’ Day
We must not forget that history, but behind the incident, there were a number of patriotic figures who fought really hard in the battle. Do you know who are those 5 important heroes? Let’s remember those who played an important role in the battle that sucked the world’s eyes.
1. Bung Tomo
Sutomo, or known as Bung Tomo, was a journalist back then. His only instrument of struggle at that time was electronic media, which was a radio. He played a central role in the Battle of Surabaya when the Dutch attacked the city in October and November 1945.
Bung Tomo was an orator who has an emotional speaking-style in the radio broadcasts. He had a clear, burning eyes, that penetrating, slightly nasal voice, with that hair-raising oratorical style that second only to Sukarno’s in its emotional power.
He gave a fiery speech and said to protect the independence of the country at all costs. The people of Surabaya finally bravely faced the British army who had complete defense equipment.
2. Sungkono
Maj. Sungkono is the Commander of the Surabaya Armed Forces. He played a big role in the all-out battle that lasted for twenty days. Not only leading the battle, but he was also considered capable of igniting the spirit of the warriors through his speech.
In his speech on 9 November 1945, he stated his willingness to fight for Surabaya and invite all the youths to be ready to fight against Britain and the Dutch. That alone proves that Sungkono should be respected for his perseverance against the armed military forces.
3. K.H Hasyim Asy’ari
On 9 November at his Islamic boarding school (pesantren), K.H Hasyim Asy’ari asked thousands of his students to come down the battle area and fight together to pull out the British army. Some people were asked to guard this jihad resolution, such as Kyai Abbas from the Buntet Cirebon pesantren, Kiyai Haji Mas Mansyur, Kiyai Wahab Hasbullah, Bung Tomo, and many more.
4. K.H Abdul Wahab Hasbullah
K.H Abdul Wahab’s role in the Battle of Surabaya on 10 November 1945 was to guard the implementation of the Jihad Resolution initiated by NU. The Jihad Resolution was the result of an Islamic meeting conducted by the cleric people in Java and Madura.
5. Moestopo
Moestopo was a dentist and a direct superior of HR Mohammad Mangoendiprodjo. He was the initiator of the People’s Security Agency (BKR). He appointed himself as Minister of Defense at Interim. At that time, he was able to disarm the Japanese army and seize Japanese military territory.
The weapons were taken from the Japanese army then used as weapons for the Indonesian fighter. Moestopo is a historical figure who firmly refused the British to land in Surabaya. He also helped to set up a guerrilla base in Mojokerto.
Celebrate National Heroes’ Day Every Year
The five heroes above are only a few examples of the many fighters who are willing to die for Indonesia. Now you, as millennials, should appreciate everything the Patriots have done for the country.
Check out these 5 interesting facts about the upcoming National Heroes’ Day too! Since it’s gonna be a national holiday, you can recall the battle by visiting some historic places in Surabaya which will be fun and boost your nationalism spirit!
