Neraka di Surabaya Part 2 ❗️❗️❗️ - Hari Pahlawan (Sejarah Seru - Sejarah Indonesia)

Summary

The Battle of Surabaya, which began on November 10, 1945, was a fierce confrontation between the British military and Indonesian forces resisting British authority in East Java. Triggered by an ultimatum from British General E.C. Mansergh, the Indonesian government, led by Governor Suryo, rejected the demand for surrender. Surabaya's youth and civilians, armed with whatever they could find, mounted a determined defense. Despite heavy British bombing and military assaults, the city’s resistance symbolized Indonesia's resolve for independence. Though Surabaya fell after intense fighting, the battle left a lasting legacy of sacrifice and courage, with tens of thousands of lives lost on both sides.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Indonesian authorities, led by Governor R.M.T.A. Soerjo, initially sought to avoid bloodshed in Surabaya following the British ultimatum on November 8, 1945.
• 😀 British General E.C. Mansergh sent a stern letter to Governor Soerjo, demanding the surrender of Indonesian forces and the evacuation of interned British soldiers.
• 😀 Governor Soerjo rejected the British ultimatum, reaffirming the previous agreement between President Sukarno and British General D.C. Hawthorn for limited British control in Surabaya.
• 😀 Mansergh, undeterred by Soerjo's response, issued additional threats to the Indonesian leaders, demanding their surrender and the surrender of weapons.
• 😀 The British issued leaflets from aircraft, warning Indonesian leaders and civilians to surrender, which further inflamed the people's anger in Surabaya.
• 😀 The youth of Surabaya, armed with whatever weapons they could find, mobilized under the leadership of figures like Sungkono and Surachman, adopting the motto 'Merdeka atau Mati' ('Freedom or Death').
• 😀 Despite attempts at negotiation, including by the Indonesian emissaries Roeslan Abdulgani and others, the British refused to retract their ultimatum.
• 😀 The Indonesian resistance in Surabaya, although poorly armed, fiercely fought against the better-equipped British forces, employing both fanatical and organized tactics.
• 😀 On November 10, 1945, British forces began a brutal bombing campaign against Surabaya, which lasted for hours and resulted in widespread civilian casualties.
• 😀 The Battle of Surabaya ultimately claimed thousands of lives, with over 16,000 Indonesian casualties, while the British lost around 1,500 soldiers, including defectors from the British Indian Army.

Q & A

What was the initial stance of the Indonesian government in Surabaya regarding the conflict with the British?

The Indonesian government in Surabaya initially sought to avoid a bloody confrontation with the British, aiming for a peaceful resolution.

What did General E.C. Mansergh's letter to Governor Soerjo state about the situation in Surabaya?

General Mansergh's letter stated that the Indonesian side had delayed the evacuation of interned individuals and the return of British prisoners, and that Surabaya, controlled by 'thieves,' would soon be reclaimed by the British military.

How did Governor Soerjo respond to General Mansergh's demands?

Governor Soerjo rejected the British claims, stating that Indonesia had already returned the bodies and wounded soldiers to the British forces, and reminded Mansergh of the prior agreement between President Sukarno and General D.C. Hawthorn regarding British military presence in Surabaya.

What happened after Governor Soerjo's refusal to comply with the British ultimatum?

After Governor Soerjo's refusal, General Mansergh sent additional letters, one directly to Soerjo and another to all Indonesians in Surabaya, demanding they surrender to the British or face military consequences.

What significant event occurred after the British dropped leaflets over Surabaya?

After the British dropped leaflets over Surabaya, the Indonesian youth and armed groups became enraged, gathering in the streets with weapons and preparing for resistance.

Who were appointed to lead the defense of Surabaya and what was their motto?

Sungkono was appointed as the Commander of Surabaya's defense, and Surachman as the Battle Commander. Their motto became 'Merdeka atau Mati' ('Freedom or Death').

How did President Sukarno respond to the situation in Surabaya?

President Sukarno instructed Foreign Minister Achmad Soebardjo to request that British General Sir Philip Christison cancel the ultimatum, but the request was denied, leaving the decision in Governor Soerjo's hands.

What did Governor Soerjo announce to the people of Surabaya on the night of November 9, 1945?

Governor Soerjo addressed the people via radio, stating that Indonesia would rather be destroyed than re-colonized, and declared the rejection of the British ultimatum while urging unity and perseverance.

What tactics did the Surabaya fighters employ in their defense against the British?

The defenders of Surabaya used both fanatical, self-sacrificial attacks, such as charging British tanks with knives and dynamite, as well as organized military tactics inspired by Japanese military handbooks.

What were the casualties of the battle and the aftermath in Surabaya?

The battle resulted in thousands of deaths, with approximately 16,000 Indonesians and 1,500 British soldiers, including a significant number of Indian and Pakistani troops, losing their lives. The city was left in devastation, with streets filled with the dead and the scent of gunpowder.