Commemorating November 10: Prabowo Remembers The Battle Of Surabaya And Its Meaning For Independence

President Prabowo Subianto (Presidential Media Team)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto recalled the history of the Battle of Surabaya on November 10, 1945 during the National Pilgrimage Ceremony and the Holy Reflection of Heroes' Day at the Kalibata National Main Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta, Sunday, November 9 at midnight.

In his introduction when he was about to lead a copyrighted session, President Prabowo said that heroes died while defending Indonesia's independence in the Battle of Surabaya.

"In 1945, November 10, the heroes have dared to fight such great foreign powers, especially the British power, the winner of World War II. With such resistance, such great sacrifices, they have maintained the independence and sovereignty of the Indonesian nation," President Prabowo said at the Garuda Pancasila Monument altar, TMP Kalibata, Jakarta, Sunday night.

President Prabowo, on the same occasion, then invited all ceremony participants to reminisce about the services and struggles of the heroes, and pray for the spirit of those who have died because of defending the nation and state.

"Let us remember the spirits and services of the heroes who have died to defend the independence, sovereignty, and honor of the Indonesian nation, especially those who died in the fight against foreign forces that supported the re-invasion of the Indonesian nation by foreign nations," said President Prabowo.

Then, President Prabowo reminded never to forget the services of the heroes.

"Let us never forget their services, their heroism," said President Prabowo.

The National Pilgrimage and Holy Swimming Ceremony at TMP Kalibata was led by President Prabowo Subianto, who was accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

The ceremony was attended by almost all levels of the Red and White Cabinet, heads of institutions, and heads of agencies, leaders of the TNI and Polri. The state officials, except from the TNI and Polri, all of them wore suit suits, which are complete civilian clothes (PSL), with blue ties and black skullcaps.

The ceremony took place at 23.45 WIB and ended at 23.56 WIB. President Prabowo left the ceremony location on the night of the turn of the day, namely when the time had entered Monday, November 10.

Surabaya's fighting between Indonesian fighters and soldiers against allied forces from England was also triggered by the tearing of the Dutch flag at the Yamato Hotel, Surabaya City, East Java, by youths, and the death of the leader of British troops in East Java, Brigadier General Mallaby.

Allied forces then issued an ultimatum to the fighters to surrender. However, the ultimatum angered the people. People's forces against the allied army lasted for approximately 3 weeks.

In that battle, Bung Tomo, who led one of the people's troops, addressed the fighters by issuing famous mottos to date: 'Freedom or Dead!'

The following is an excerpt from Bung Tomo's speech during the Battle of Surabaya which burned the spirits of the fighters:

" Brothers and sisters of the people of Surabaya... be ready for a precarious situation! But I warn you once again, don't start shooting, only if we are shot, then we will change to attack them. We show that we are really people who want to be independent. And for us brothers and sisters, it's better if we are destroyed than not independent. Our game remains: Freedom or death!