Pidato Bung Tomo 10 Nopember 1945

Summary

In this powerful speech, the speaker addresses the people of Surabaya, urging them to resist the demands of the British forces who want to confiscate their weapons and force them into submission. The speaker emphasizes the unity and determination of the Indonesian youth, from across the archipelago, who have shown resilience in the face of British threats. He rallies the people to fight for independence, declaring that they would rather die than live without freedom. The speech calls for defiance and trust in Allah, with the belief that ultimate victory will belong to those who fight for justice and independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker begins with a strong invocation of faith and nationalism, calling upon the people of Indonesia to stand united for independence.
• 😀 Acknowledges the presence of British forces and their attempt to disarm the Indonesian people by demanding the surrender of weapons seized from the Japanese army.
• 😀 The British forces are trying to force the Indonesians into submission by requesting that they raise their hands or carry white flags as a sign of surrender.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the courage and resistance of the Indonesian youth, particularly from areas such as Maluku, Sumatra, and Aceh, in defending the city of Surabaya.
• 😀 The Indonesian fighters, including youth and local militias, are depicted as having shown resilience, fortitude, and a powerful defense against the British troops.
• 😀 Despite the threats and pressure from the British, the speaker firmly rejects any form of surrender and vows that Indonesians will not be intimidated.
• 😀 There is a powerful message of unity and patriotism as the speaker calls the people of Surabaya to prepare for battle, stressing that resistance is essential for their freedom.
• 😀 The speaker makes a strong statement that they would rather perish in the struggle for independence than live in subjugation under foreign powers.
• 😀 The message includes a deep sense of optimism, expressing confidence that victory will ultimately belong to the people of Indonesia, as they are on the right side of history.
• 😀 The speech ends with a call to action, urging the people to remain resolute and confident, invoking the protection of God and the ultimate triumph of the Indonesian cause.

Q & A

What is the historical context of the speech in the script?

The speech is given during the Indonesian National Revolution in 1945, a period when Indonesia was fighting for independence from colonial powers, including the British, after the Japanese surrender in World War II. The speaker emphasizes resistance against the British military, which had demanded the surrender of weapons previously seized from the Japanese.

Who is the speaker addressing in the speech?

The speaker addresses the Indonesian people, particularly the residents of Surabaya, urging them to resist the British military's demands and to continue fighting for independence. The speech is aimed at rallying the people to stand united against external pressure.

What message does the speaker convey about the demand from the British forces?

The speaker rejects the British forces' demands, which include the surrender of weapons seized from the Japanese, the raising of white flags, and the act of submission. The speaker makes it clear that Indonesia will not yield to these demands and will continue to fight for independence.

How does the speaker portray the role of the Indonesian youth in the struggle for independence?

The speaker highlights the courage and determination of Indonesian youth, particularly those from various regions such as Maluku, Sumatra, and Aceh. These young people are depicted as central to the resistance, fighting in local militias and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Merdeka atau mati' (freedom or death)?

'Merdeka atau mati' is a rallying cry that signifies the extreme commitment of the Indonesian people to their cause—freedom at all costs. It reflects the determination to resist colonial rule, even if it means death, as better than living under foreign domination.

How does the speaker view the potential outcome of the conflict?

The speaker expresses confidence that Indonesia will eventually prevail, stating that the truth and the justice of their cause will lead to victory. This belief is reinforced by the faith that God, or Allah, is on the side of the righteous.

What role does religion play in the speaker’s message?

Religion plays a significant role in the speaker's message. The invocation of Allah, particularly the repeated mention of 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Great), suggests that the struggle for independence is not only a political and military endeavor but also a spiritual one. The speaker believes that divine protection will guide them to victory.

What does the speaker mean by 'selama banteng-banteng Indonesia masih mempunyai darah merah yang dapat membikinarik kain putih merah dan putih'?

This phrase refers to the enduring spirit and blood of the Indonesian people, symbolized by the red and white colors of the national flag. It suggests that as long as the people remain committed to their cause, they will not surrender and will continue to fight for independence.

How does the speaker respond to the British threat of military force?

The speaker acknowledges the threat posed by the British forces, but he reassures the people that they should not be intimidated. The speaker advises that they will not start fighting but will respond fiercely if attacked, emphasizing the resolve to defend the nation to the last.

What is the tone of the speech, and how does it serve the speaker's purpose?

The tone of the speech is one of defiance, determination, and urgency. The speaker uses strong, emotive language to inspire the audience to stand firm in the face of colonial oppression and to be prepared for the sacrifices required in the fight for independence. The purpose is to motivate the people of Surabaya—and by extension, all Indonesians—to continue resisting and to embrace the fight for freedom.