Daftarsbmptn.com – Every year on November 10th, Indonesia commemorates National Heroes’ Day to commemorate the bravery of the heroes who sacrificed themselves for independence. Heroes’ Day, November 10th, commemorates the heroic events that took place in Surabaya in 1945.
According to the Antara News Agency, the Battle of Surabaya is known as one of the largest battles between British troops and the Indonesian people after the proclamation of independence on August 17th, 1945. The commemoration of Heroes’ Day begins with the Battle of Surabaya in 1945, a monumental event that symbolized the Indonesian people’s resistance against colonialism.
For approximately three weeks, the city of Surabaya was transformed into a horrific battlefield. The losses were enormous: approximately 20,000 people died, mostly civilians. Furthermore, more than 150,000 residents were forced to flee the city. On the British side, approximately 1,600 soldiers were killed, missing, or wounded, and much of their war equipment was destroyed.
This battle is recorded as the first clash between Indonesian troops and foreign military forces after the Proclamation of Independence on August 17, 1945. The scale and tenacity of the people’s struggle made it one of the most decisive battles of the Indonesian National Revolution, as well as a symbol of the nation’s determination to resist colonialism.
The Battle of Surabaya demonstrated the relentless courage of the Indonesian people. On November 10, 1945, all elements of society youth, Islamic boarding school students, and even ordinary citizens united to resist colonialism.
Through Presidential Decree No. 316 of 1959, the Indonesian government officially designated November 10 as Heroes’ Day. This designation was intended to remind future generations of the significance of the struggle and sacrifice in achieving independence. Today, Heroes’ Day is not only commemorated with ceremonies, but also serves as a moment for national reflection.
Every November 10th, the Indonesian people commemorate National Heroes’ Day, an important occasion to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of the freedom fighters who fought for independence. This year, the 2025 Heroes’ Day commemoration carries the theme “Heroic Spirit for a Golden Indonesia,” emphasizing the importance of emulating the values of struggle amidst today’s global challenges.
The Origins of Heroes’ Day
Heroes’ Day began with the Battle of Surabaya, which took place on November 10th, 1945—one of the most heroic events in Indonesian history. The battle was sparked by the death of Brigadier General Mallaby, a British officer, on October 30th, 1945. This incident angered the Allied forces, who then issued an ultimatum demanding that all the people of Surabaya surrender their weapons unconditionally.
However, the people of Surabaya flatly rejected the ultimatum. They preferred to fight tooth and nail to defend the independence that had just been proclaimed on August 17, 1945.
On the morning of November 10, British troops under the command of Major General Robert Mansergh launched a massive attack on Surabaya, with a force of approximately 30,000 troops equipped with tanks, fighter planes, and warships. However, the fighting spirit of the people of Surabaya, led by figures such as Bung Tomo, KH. Hasyim Asy’ari, and Doel Arnowo, never waned, despite their modest weapons.
Bung Tomo’s Fierce Voice
In the history of Surabaya’s struggle, Bung Tomo’s name has become an irreplaceable symbol of fighting spirit. Through radio broadcasts, Bung Tomo ignited the people’s passion to continue fighting against the invaders. His loud and impassioned voice inspired thousands of young men to join the battle.
One of Bung Tomo’s most memorable quotes is:
“As long as Indonesian bulls still have red blood that can turn a piece of white cloth red and white, then during that time we will not surrender to anyone!”
This cry became a symbol of the courage of the Indonesian people in facing a much stronger colonial power. The Battle of Surabaya lasted three weeks, resulting in thousands of casualties on the Indonesian side. Although Surabaya was eventually recaptured by Allied forces, the resistance served as clear evidence that the Indonesian people would never submit to colonial rule.
Declaration of National Heroes’ Day
To honor the spirit and sacrifice of the Surabaya fighters, the Indonesian government then designated November 10th as National Heroes’ Day through Presidential Decree No. 316 of 1959. Since then, every year the Indonesian people have commemorated this historic moment with ceremonies, reflections, and various social activities.
The commemoration of Heroes’ Day not only commemorates the past but also serves as a reminder to the younger generation of the values of courage, sacrifice, and love for the homeland.
The Meaning of Heroes’ Day Today
Eight decades have passed since the Battle of Surabaya, but the heroes’ fighting spirit remains relevant today. In the modern era, the form of struggle is indeed different. While once the enemy was armed colonialists, today the challenges are poverty, social inequality, corruption, digital disinformation, and moral degradation.
President Prabowo Subianto, in the 2025 Heroes’ Day commemoration ceremony at the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery, emphasized that the meaning of heroism must be translated into concrete action.
“Today’s struggle is to build an independent, prosperous, and sovereign nation. The spirit of heroes must live in every step we take to realize a Golden Indonesia 2045,” said President Prabowo.
He also invited all people, especially the younger generation, to emulate the heroes’ courage through innovation, discipline, and dedication in their respective fields.
Commemoration of Heroes’ Day 2025 in Various Regions
The 2025 Heroes’ Day commemoration was enthusiastically received throughout Indonesia. In Surabaya, thousands of residents attended a roll call of honor and a sacred reflection at the Heroes’ Monument, the iconic site of the 1945 battle. The solemn ceremony was accompanied by the song “Gugur Bunga,” which brought tears to many attendees’ eyes.
Meanwhile, in Jakarta, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) held a troop parade at the National Monument (Monas) as a symbol of national strength and unity. Several schools and universities also held speech, essay, and drama competitions on the theme of struggle.
In Yogyakarta and Bandung, local governments held exhibitions of struggle archives and screenings of the documentary “10 November: Api dari Surabaya,” which tells the heroic story of the arek-arek Suroboyo (young men and women). This commemoration served as a means of historical education for students, ensuring that they never forget the services of these heroes.
Unnamed Heroes: Those Who Are Not Recorded
History also records that many unnamed heroes fought on various fronts—whether as medical personnel, logistics delivery personnel, or people’s fighters who died unrecognized. They may not be recorded in history books, but their sacrifices are as great as those of great figures.
Heroes’ Day reminds us that every citizen, no matter how small their role, can be a hero in their respective fields. A teacher who wholeheartedly educates the nation’s children, a farmer who continues planting despite extreme weather, or a health worker serving in remote areas—all are heroes of today.
Reflection for the Younger Generation
The younger generation has a great responsibility to carry on the spirit of heroism. Amidst the rapid flow of globalization and technological advancement, the values of struggle must not fade.
University of Indonesia historian, Prof. Asvi Warman Adam, stated that understanding the history of Heroes’ Day is a way to maintain national identity.
“If the younger generation no longer understands their nation’s history, they will lose their direction in the struggle. Heroes’ Day is not just a ceremony, but a call to contribute to the nation,” he said.
Conclusion
Heroes’ Day, November 10th, is not just a historical commemoration, but a moment for national reflection. The Battle of Surabaya has taught us that independence did not come easily. Now, that struggle must be continued through dedication, innovation, and unity.
The spirit of these heroes must be a moral force for the Indonesian nation, moving towards a more just, prosperous, and dignified future.
Because, as Bung Tomo said, “As long as we have red blood, the spirit of independence will live on in the hearts of every child of the nation.”