This Is The Reason Why Governor Khofifah Visited RMT Ario Soerjo's Grave 3 Times In Magetan

Governor Khofifah at RMT Ario Soerjo Grave/ Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa made a pilgrimage to the tomb of the first governor of East Java, Raden Mas Tumenggung (RMT) Ario Soerjo, in Kepolorejo Village, Magetan District, Magetan Regency, Sunday.

"Alhamdulillah, this is the third year that I can directly lead a pilgrimage to Governor Soerjo's grave, and he is the founder of East Java," said Governor Khofifah quoting Antara, Sunday, October 10.

According to him, the pilgrimage at the Tomb of Governor Soerjo is a tradition from a series of commemorations of the 76th Anniversary of East Java Province which falls on October 12, 2021. For this reason, the pilgrimage is part of the way for the next generation to appreciate and respect the services and examples of the nation's predecessors. .

RMT Ario Soerjo is the First Governor of East Java who is familiarly called Governor Soerjo. He served as Governor of East Java in the period from 1945 to 1948. Previously, he also served as Regent of Magetan from 1938 to 1943. In addition, he was also known as a National Hero.

The pilgrimage was solemn. Arriving at the tomb complex, Governor Khofifah was greeted by the Regent of Magetan and the ranks of the Magetan Regency Forkopimda as well as a number of heads of regional apparatus organizations (OPD) of East Java Province.

Meanwhile, the pilgrimage ceremony begins with reading a brief history of Governor Soerjo. Furthermore, Governor Khofifah who acted as the leader of the pilgrimage led a procession of respect, a moment of silence, laying of wreaths, and the sowing of flowers to the grave of the national hero.

After the pilgrimage procession, Governor Khofifah invited all East Java people, especially the younger generation, to follow the footsteps of the struggles and sacrifices of national heroes and continue to build commitments that there are struggles, sacrifices, and examples from national heroes.

"Often we hear that a great nation is a nation that can give respect and appreciate the services of its heroes, moreover he is also a national hero," he said.

Governor Soerjo, said Khofifah, during his lifetime was known as a brave and firm leader. His courage was seen when the allies gave an ultimatum to the people of Surabaya to surrender on November 10, 1945.

However, Governor Soerjo dared to reject the ultimatum and chose to fight against the allies. Some time has passed, November 10 is then commemorated as Heroes' Day.

"Governor Soerjo has been appointed a National Hero and his name is immortalized as the name of the main street in front of the Grahadi State Building, in Surabaya. Therefore, we must emulate his services and other national heroes, of course in accordance with the challenges of the times we face today, " he said.

Khofifah hopes that by paying respects and following the example of Governor Soerjo's struggle and sacrifice, references can be drawn from all dedications to developing the country, especially East Java, along with the recovery of the economic sector in efforts to control COVID-19.

"Through this pilgrimage, we all want to give the best respect and pray for all of those who have fought for this country, especially for East Java for their extraordinary dedication, so the citizens are obliged to pay their respects," he said.

After the ceremony, Governor Khofifah gave compensation to orphans and assistance to the surrounding community. Not only that, Governor Khofifah also gave gifts and gifts to the family or heirs of RMT Ario Soerjo.