Surabaya's Journey Through Time Commemorating Heroes and History

Heroes' Day on November 10th is a time for all Indonesians to stop and think about the fierce battle in Surabaya on that date in 1945. This battle was very important in Indonesia's fight for freedom after World War II.

The day pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in this important battle, including those who never saw the peace they were fighting for.

Surabaya is a city with a deep history. It was the site of an important fight between Indonesian freedom fighters and the British Army. The conflict started when Brigadier General Mallaby was killed, which made the situation worse.

The British told the Indonesians to give up their weapons, but the people of Surabaya strongly refused. This led to a big battle that is now a key part of the nation's history.

With Heroes' Day approaching, there's nothing wrong with taking a moment to tour historical locations in Surabaya. The following are recommendations for special historical tourist destinations on Heroes' Day for you.

5 Historical Tourism Destinations in Surabaya

Tugu Pahlawan

Tugu Pahlawan is a monument that stands as a poignant reminder of the brave sacrifices made during the Battle of Surabaya on November 10, 1945. It is 41.15 meters high and is shaped like a big pillar.

This monument is in Bubutan, Surabaya, East Java, and honors those who died fighting for Indonesia's independence. Every year on November 10th, people come here to remember and honor the brave actions of those who fought in 1945.

The construction of the monument began during President Soekarno and Mayor Doel Arnowo on November 10, 1951, and was completed 2 years later to be inaugurated directly by Bung Karno.

The Museum 10 November

The Museum 10 November was created to add to the story told by Tugu Pahlawan. It tells about the important Battle of Surabaya. The museum started on November 10, 1991, and the 4th President of Indonesia, KH. Abdul Rahman Wahid (also known as Gus Dur), opened it on February 19, 2000.

The museum has important historical items that are connected to the battle. Some special things to see include the recorded speech of Bung Tomo, things that belonged to him, and objects from the time of the battle.

The museum is taken care of by the Tugu Pahlawan UPTD Monument and the Surabaya City Culture and Tourism Service. It is a place that shows the long history of the nation.

The House of Sampoerna

The House of Sampoerna is now a museum, once served as a big factory for making cigarettes in Surabaya, starting in 1932 when Liem Seeng Tee, who started the company, bought it. The building is from the Dutch colonial times, starting in 1862 as an orphanage.

In 2003, for Sampoerna's 90th birthday, they fixed up the place. Now, people can visit it. It boasts a central museum exhibiting Sampoerna's history, a café, an art gallery, and the preserved family residence.

The museum offers insights into the company's evolution, including the production process and its founder's life story, albeit with restrictions on photography.

Jembatan Merah

Jembatan Merah is an important place in North Surabaya as it was one of the locations of the great battle that took place on November 10, 1945.

The bridge, which connects Rajawali Street with Kembang Jepun Street, was renovated in the 1890s. As the name implies, the bridge is iconic with its red color.

The bridge was built after a 1743 treaty between Pakubuwono II and the Dutch East India Company (VOC), Surabaya became a busy business center under Dutch control.

The red bridge not only connects roads but also serves as a reminder of Surabaya's past as a trading center and its role in the struggle for Indonesian independence.

Majapahit Hotel

The Majapahit Hotel, first called Hotel Oranje, was opened in 1910 by Lucas Martin Sarkies. It is known for its luxury and historical importance.

With expansions and renovations enhancing its grandeur over the years, it played various roles—from serving as the headquarters of Japanese forces in East Java during World War II to becoming a symbol of Indonesian nationalism during the "Hotel Yamato Incident."

In this incident, Indonesian youth transformed the Dutch flag into an Indonesian one, marking an act of defiance that preluded the Battle of Surabaya.

Later, the hotel changed hands and names, from L. M. S. Hotel reflecting its founding family to Hotel Majapahit, honoring Indonesia's historical kingdom.

It underwent a significant restoration in the 1990s and was eventually acknowledged as a cultural heritage site by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2014.

Explore Historical Tourism with Surabaya Car Rental

Use TRAC's Surabaya car rental service to explore every trace of history in the city of heroes. You can choose a car rental service with a driver to make the trip more comfortable and safe. However, if you want to self drive car rental, you can also do it!

Book now through the reservation page on the TRAC website or through the TRACtoGo application. Immediately install the TRACtoGo application on Google Playstore or Apple Appstore. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy various TRAC services.

Oh yes, for the latest information, don't forget to follow TRAC social media via Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car and Twitter @TRACastra.

Wherever the track, just use TRAC!