SEJARAH & ILUSTRASI LENGKAP PERTEMPURAN SURABAYA (10 NOVEMBER 1945)

Summary

The Battle of Surabaya, fought on November 10, 1945, was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's struggle for independence. Following the declaration of independence, tensions escalated as Allied forces, led by the British, arrived to maintain order. Disputes over weapons and sovereignty led to violent confrontations, ultimately culminating in a fierce battle between Indonesian fighters and Allied troops. Despite overwhelming odds, the Indonesian resistance, led by figures like Bung Tomo, showed remarkable patriotism. The battle, though ending in Allied control of Surabaya, became a symbol of Indonesia's resolve and is commemorated annually as Heroes' Day.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Battle of Surabaya took place on November 10, 1945, and became a pivotal event in Indonesia's struggle for independence.
• 😀 The battle marked the first major conflict between Indonesian fighters and the Allied forces after Indonesia's declaration of independence on August 17, 1945.
• 😀 The British viewed the Battle of Surabaya as a 'hellish' experience due to the fierce resistance they faced from Indonesian fighters.
• 😀 Although Surabaya ultimately fell to the British, the battle significantly impacted British and Dutch perspectives on Indonesia's resistance to colonialism.
• 😀 The arrival of Allied forces in Surabaya was intended to secure POWs, disarm Japanese soldiers, and establish order, but their actions escalated tensions with locals.
• 😀 The Indonesian fighters, particularly in Surabaya, strongly resisted the British orders, including the demand to surrender weapons, leading to growing resentment.
• 😀 The Battle of Surabaya began after a series of confrontations, including the tearing down of the Dutch flag at the Yamato Hotel, which further fueled hostilities.
• 😀 On October 27, 1945, the first armed contact occurred between Indonesian forces and British troops, marking the official start of the battle.
• 😀 The British issued an ultimatum on November 9, 1945, demanding Indonesian surrender, which was rejected, leading to full-scale fighting on November 10.
• 😀 The Battle of Surabaya involved around 20,000 Indonesian fighters and 30,000 British troops, with significant casualties on both sides, including the death of British General Mallaby.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Battle of Surabaya?

The Battle of Surabaya, fought in November 1945, was a pivotal event in Indonesia's struggle for independence. It symbolized the Indonesian people's resistance to colonial powers, particularly the British, and marked a crucial moment in the Indonesian National Revolution.

Why did the arrival of Allied troops in Surabaya lead to conflict?

The arrival of Allied troops, including British forces, in Surabaya was initially intended to secure prisoners of war and disarm Japanese soldiers. However, their actions, such as storming prisons and attempting to control vital locations, angered the local population and escalated tensions.

How did the British view the Battle of Surabaya?

The British referred to the Battle of Surabaya as 'infierno' or hell, due to the intense resistance from Indonesian fighters, which delayed their plan to control the city and led to significant casualties on both sides.

What was the role of General Mallaby in the Battle of Surabaya?

General Mallaby was the British commander of the Allied forces in Surabaya. His death on October 30, 1945, was a turning point in the battle, and his replacement by General Robert Mansergh led to further escalation.

What triggered the first armed confrontation between Indonesian and British forces?

The first armed confrontation occurred on October 27, 1945, when Indonesian youth forces, known as 'Prisai Youth', clashed with Gurkha troops after the distribution of leaflets that demanded Indonesian forces surrender within 48 hours.

What was the impact of the British ultimatum issued on November 9, 1945?

The British ultimatum demanded the surrender of Indonesian leaders and the handover of weapons. The Indonesian side rejected this ultimatum, which led to full-scale fighting on November 10, 1945, marking the official beginning of the Battle of Surabaya.

How did Bung Tomo contribute to the Battle of Surabaya?

Bung Tomo, an Indonesian leader, played a critical role by delivering fiery speeches that inspired and motivated the people of Surabaya to continue fighting the British forces, fueling their determination during the battle.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Surabaya?

The Battle of Surabaya lasted for three weeks, with the Indonesians suffering around 20,000 casualties. Although the city eventually fell into British hands, the battle became a symbol of Indonesia’s resistance and struggle for independence.

What was the significance of November 10th in Indonesia?

November 10th was designated as Heroes' Day in Indonesia by President Soekarno to commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought in the Battle of Surabaya and other key events during the Indonesian struggle for independence.

How did the battle change the perspective of the British and Dutch towards Indonesia?

The Battle of Surabaya made the British more assertive about their position as neutral parties, and it made the Dutch realize the strength of Indonesia’s resistance, ultimately affecting their approach toward Indonesia’s fight for independence.