Did you know that one of the most important battles in Indonesia’s struggle for independence took place in Surabaya, the second-largest city in the country? And did you know that there is a monument that commemorates this battle and honors the heroes who fought for their nation’s freedom? If you are curious to learn more about this fascinating and inspiring story, then you should visit Tugu Pahlawan, a monument of history and heroism in Surabaya, Indonesia.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Tugu Pahlawan, from its history and design to its location and facilities.
History of the Tugu Pahlawan and the Battle of Surabaya
Tugu Pahlawan, which means Heroes Monument in Indonesian, was built to commemorate the Battle of Surabaya that took place in November 1945. This was one of the most significant and bloody events in the Indonesian National Revolution against the Dutch and British colonial forces, who wanted to reassert their control over the archipelago after the Japanese occupation during World War II.
The Battle of Surabaya is considered as one of the turning points in the history of Indonesia, and as a source of pride and identity for the nation.
Design and Symbolism of the Tugu Pahlawan
Tugu Pahlawan was inaugurated in 1952, seven years after the Battle of Surabaya, and five years after Indonesia officially gained its independence. The monument was designed by Silaban, a famous Indonesian architect, and Cobie, a Dutch sculptor. The monument consists of a main obelisk and ten smaller pillars arranged in a semicircle. The obelisk is 41.15 meters high, representing the date of the battle, which started on November 10, 1945. The ten pillars symbolize the ten principles of the Indonesian state ideology, known as Pancasila. The pillars also resemble the traditional weapons used by the Indonesian fighters, such as spears and daggers.
The monument has several inscriptions and reliefs that depict the scenes and the heroes of the battle. On the front side of the obelisk, there is a large inscription that reads “Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Surabaya”, which means “Monument of the Surabaya People’s Struggle”. On the back side, there is another inscription that reads “10 November 1945”, the date of the battle.
Location and Facilities of the Tugu Pahlawan
Tugu Pahlawan is located in the center of Surabaya, in a district called Kembang Kuning. The address of the monument is Jalan Pahlawan No. 1, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. The coordinates of the monument are -7.249167, 112.750833.
You can easily reach the monument by public or private transportation, as it is well-connected by roads and buses. The nearest bus station is Halte Tugu Pahlawan, which is only a few meters away from the monument. You can also take a taxi, a motorcycle, or a bicycle to get there.
The monument is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is Rp. 5,000 per person, which is equivalent to about $0.35.
Other Attractions and Activities in Surabaya
Surabaya is not only the home of Tugu Pahlawan, but also a vibrant and diverse city that offers many other attractions and activities for visitors.
If you want to explore more of Surabaya, here are some of the places that you should not miss:
1. Museum Sepuluh November
This is a museum that is dedicated to the Battle of Surabaya and the Indonesian revolution. It is located next to Tugu Pahlawan, and it displays various artifacts, documents, and photos that tell the story of the battle and its heroes.
2. House of Sampoerna
This is a museum and a factory that showcases the history and the production of Sampoerna, one of the most famous and oldest cigarette brands in Indonesia. It is located in a colonial-style building that was built in 1862, and it was originally a Dutch orphanage. The museum exhibits the history and the culture of Surabaya and Indonesia, as well as the development and the innovation of Sampoerna.
3. Surabaya Zoo
This is a zoo and a conservation center that houses more than 3,000 animals of more than 200 species, including some rare and endangered ones, such as the Komodo dragon, the orangutan, and the Sumatran tiger.
4. Suramadu Bridge
This is a bridge that connects Surabaya with Madura Island, which is another popular destination in East Java. The bridge is the longest in Indonesia, and the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia, with a length of about 5.4 kilometers.
5. Tunjungan Plaza
This is a shopping mall and a entertainment center that is one of the largest and most popular in Surabaya. It is located in the heart of the city, and it consists of six interconnected buildings that offer a wide range of products and services, such as fashion, electronics, food, cinema, karaoke, spa, and hotel.
Tugu Pahlawan is more than just a monument. It is a symbol of the history and the identity of Indonesia, and a tribute to the heroes who fought for their independence. Visiting Tugu Pahlawan will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and the spirit of Surabaya and Indonesia. But Tugu Pahlawan is not the only attraction that Surabaya has to offer. Surabaya is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or entertainment. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Surabaya today, and discover the wonders of this amazing city!
We hope you enjoyed this article, and that you learned something new and interesting about Tugu Pahlawan and Surabaya.
