Manifestation of the People's Courage (Remembering Heroes' Day, November 10th)

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By: Stube HEMAT.          

National Heroes' Day, commemorated every November 10th, honors the heroic battle that took place in Surabaya in 1945. Just two months after the Proclamation of Independence was declared by Bung Karno and Bung Hatta—marking the end of colonial rule—Allied forces (primarily British and Dutch) attempted to reassert control over Indonesia. British troops, led by Brigadier A.W.S. Mallaby, spearheaded the military operation. They arrived in Surabaya in late October 1945 and issued an ultimatum demanding that the people of Surabaya surrender their weapons by November 9th. The ultimatum was rejected, and on November 10th, Allied forces launched a massive assault on the city. The battle raged for more than three weeks and became one of the bloodiest confrontations in the history of the Indonesian National Revolution.

The people of Surabaya, together with the Indonesian People's Rebellion Front (Barisan Pemberontakan Rakyat Indonesia), the People's Security Army (Tentara Keamanan Rakyat, TKR), and various local fighters, resisted with extraordinary determination. Prominent figures such as Bung Tomo led the resistance through impassioned radio broadcasts that stirred the spirit of the people. This battle became a lasting symbol of courage and sacrifice, and it is now commemorated annually as Heroes' Day.

Coinciding with the commemoration of National Heroes' Day on November 10, 2025, President Prabowo conferred the title of "National Hero" upon ten individuals:

  1. Abdurahman Wahid
  2. Soeharto
  3. Marsinah
  4. Mochtar Kusuma Atmaja
  5. Rahma EL. Yunusiah
  6. Sarwo Edy Wibowo
  7. Sultan Muhammad Salahudin
  8. Syaikhona Muhammad Kholil
  9. Tuan Rondahaim Saragih Garingging
  10. Zainal Abinin Syah.

Regardless of the differing opinions surrounding the conferral of hero status to the ten individuals mentioned above, National Heroes' Day is not only a time for remembrance but also a moment for reflection—to rekindle the spirit of revolution and uphold the noble ideals of independence. The Battle of Surabaya stands as a testament to the courage of the Indonesian people. Today’s youth must embody that same bravery by standing against injustice, ignorance, and poverty. As Bung Karno emphasized in his speeches, heroes are not only those who take up arms, but also those who fight with their intellect, their contributions, and their national spirit. To inherit the spirit of struggle is to remember and honor those who came before us. “A great nation is a nation that honors the services of its heroes.” Keep the spirit alive and continue your work—wherever you are. ***


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