Indonesia
Let’s Go to Historical Places
In Indonesia, November 10 is set as the day of heroes. Indonesia has many heroic stories. But, there are special considerations to make November 10 as the day to commemorate national heroes. It was the first battle between Indonesian freedom fighter and Dutch forces after the proclamation of independence on August 17. It was the largest and heaviest fighting in the history of Indonesia, and became a resistance symbol against colonialism. And, the battle took place in Surabaya city.
It was triggered by incident of Yamato Hoteru (now the Majapahit Hotel) in the Tunjungan street. At the top of the hotel, the Dutch displayed Red-White-Blue flag October 18. The youth saw it and assessed that the Netherlands did not respect Indonesian independence. Negotiation occured, but ended in a shootout. The negotiators killed, and the youth got angry. They climbed the roof of the hotel and tore the blue part of Netherland flag; left only the red and white or the colors of Indonesian flag. Then, the Red-White flag were raised everywhere and batlles took place everywhere.
Superkids, if you want to remember and honor the heroes of Surabaya, just visit the historical places. Majapahit Hotel is located on 65 Tunjungan street, Monument of Heroes is located at the junction of Pahlawan Street and Taman Kebonrojo. If you want to see the old historic buildings, just visit Gedung Niaga in Pahlawan Street. This building was formerly owned by the Dutch trading company – Lindeteves, but used as an arsenal by the Japanese. Also, visit Gedung RRI in Pemuda Street. Previously, the building was called Gedung Radio Surabaya Simpang weg. Fierce battles occured on October 28 to 30, 1945.
TOM
PHOTOS BY BOBY
