Jakarta (ANTARA) – Heroes’ Day, which is celebrated every November 10, is an impetus for the Indonesian people to remember the services of the fighters who were willing to sacrifice everything for the independence of their homeland.
The designation of November 10 as Heroes’ Day also has a profound meaning, namely to honor the fighters who defended Indonesia’s independence in the Battle of Surabaya in 1945.
The origins of Heroes’ Day
Heroes’ Day cannot be separated from the historical event of the Battle of Surabaya, which was motivated by the arrival of Allied troops in the city of Surabaya after Indonesia gained independence in 1945.
On October 25, Allied troops composed of British soldiers arrived in Surabaya on orders from the Allied Forces Dutch East Indies (AFNEI). Under the leadership of Brigadier General AWS Mallaby, their task was to free prisoners of war, disarm Japanese troops, and help restore security and order in Indonesian territory.
However, it turned out that the arrival of the British was accompanied by the Dutch East Indies Civil Administration (NICA), a Dutch civil and military organization that attempted to regain power in Indonesia.
Shortly after entering Surabaya, the Allied forces – which now consisted of a combination of British and Dutch soldiers – immediately set up defense posts and raided prisons to free prisoners of war previously held on the Indonesian side.
This triggered the first armed contact between British troops and fighters in Surabaya on 27 October 1945. The next day, under the command of Bung Tomo, Indonesian troops launched successful attacks on Allied defense positions and managed to control a number of important points in Surabaya.
Although they eased after the ceasefire on 29 October, tensions peaked again after Mallaby’s killing on 30 October. This incident aroused the anger of the allies, who then issued an ultimatum to the Indonesian side.
The ultimatum issued directly by Mallaby’s successor, Major General Eric Carden Robert Mansergh, contained orders for Surabaya fighters to hand over their weapons and stop the resistance.
However, these instructions were strongly rejected by the fighters who refused to submit to the Allies. This refusal then triggered a major event on November 10, 1945.
A terrible battle between the Allies and Surabaya’s fighters was inevitable that day. Thousands of Suroboyo arek died defending Indonesia’s independence.
The Battle of Surabaya, which lasted until the end of November 1945, was later remembered as one of the most heroic events in the nation’s fighting history.
Therefore, by Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 316 of 1959, November 10 was designated as the Heroes’ Day which is celebrated annually.
The theme of the commemoration of Heroes’ Day 2025
Based on the Guidelines for Organizing the 2025 Heroes’ Day Commemoration published by the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos), this time the theme is “My hero, my example: Keep moving, continuing the fight.”
Through this theme, all Indonesian people, especially the next generation, are invited to ignite the spirit of nationalism, emulate the struggle of heroes, and move forward to continue the fight for a golden Indonesia.
Even though decades have passed since the heroic event in defense of independence, the history of the heroes’ struggle remains an eternal reminder that the freedom we experience today was born from a priceless struggle and sacrifice.
Read also: A collection of 30 wishes for Heroes’ Day to awaken the patriotic spirit
Read also: The public is invited to observe a minute’s silence on November 10
Read also: Always current, here are 19 messages from the struggle of national heroes
Reporter: Nadine Laysa Amalia
Publisher: Alviansyah Pasaribu
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