Hari Pahlawan: The Battle of Surabaya and Indonesia’s Heroes’ Day

Indonesia is a country of islands, and the sea connects them all. It carries people, trade, and stories that shape the nation. In East Java, one city stands out – Surabaya, a busy port that once became the center of Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

Every year on November 10th, Indonesians celebrate Hari Pahlawan or Heroes’ Day. It’s a day to remember the people who fought and died during the Battle of Surabaya in 1945 – one of the biggest and most important battles in Indonesia’s history. At Ocean Earth Travels, we believe traveling is not only about seeing places but also understanding the stories that live within them.

Tugu Pahlawan Indonesia

What Happened on November 10th, 1945?

Just a few months after Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945, Surabaya became the site of a major battle.
British Indian forces arrived in the city in late October to disarm Japanese troops who had surrendered after World War II. They ordered Indonesian fighters to hand over their weapons – but the Indonesians refused.

Tensions grew fast. On October 30, a British commander named Brigadier A. W. S. Mallaby was killed during a clash. His death caused the situation to explode.

On November 10, the British launched a large attack. They used tanks, planes, and heavy weapons. The people of Surabaya – soldiers, students, and ordinary citizens – fought back with what they had. The battle lasted for weeks.

More than 6,000 Indonesians were killed, but their courage inspired the rest of the country. That’s why November 10th became Hari Pahlawan, a national day to honor those who gave their lives for independence.

A Simple Timeline

  • October 25, 1945 – Allied forces arrive in Surabaya.
  • October 27, 1945 – They demand Indonesians give up their weapons.
  • October 30, 1945 – Brigadier Mallaby is killed; a truce fails.
  • November 10, 1945 – The main battle begins.
  • Late November 1945 – Surabaya falls, but the fight becomes a national symbol of bravery.

Why Does Hari Pahlawan Matter for Travelers?

Indonesia’s story is deeply connected to the sea. Many of its greatest moments – including the fight for freedom – happened near ports and coastlines.

When you visit East Java today, you can still feel that connection. The same harbor that once saw fierce battles is now full of life, ships, and trade.
The same ocean breeze that carried gunfire now moves gently across fishing boats and phinisi sails.

Traveling through Indonesia is not only about beaches and diving – it’s about understanding the history behind them.

At Ocean Earth Travels, we aim to help you see Indonesia from all sides – nature, culture, and the spirit of the people who built it.

Explore East Java with Ocean Earth Travels

If you’re interested in discovering Indonesia beyond Bali, East Java is a great place to start.

  • Visit the Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) and Museum 10 November in Surabaya.
  • Take a sea and land trip from Bali to East Java, ending with a sunrise hike at Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen.
  • Stay in locally owned guesthouses that support community tourism.
  • Meet local guides and fishermen who keep the region’s maritime traditions alive.

To see more options, check out our Java tour packages designed for travelers who want to explore both the sea and the mountains.

When you travel with us, you don’t just visit – you learn, connect, and help preserve local stories and cultures.

Honoring the Past, Traveling with Respect

Hari Pahlawan reminds us that freedom didn’t come easily. It was built by courage, sacrifice, and unity. When you walk through Surabaya’s harbor or stand on the slopes of Bromo, you’re standing where Indonesia’s history began to take shape.

At Ocean Earth Travels, we believe the best way to honor that history is by traveling with awareness and respect – for the people, the stories, and the seas that make Indonesia what it is today.

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