Remembering Nov. 10, 1945<\/p>\n
From Merdeka<\/p>\n
With the blessing of God the almighty, we celebrated the 52nd
\nanniversary of the proclamation of Indonesia's independence last
\nAug. 17. We are now in November, a month that is historically
\nsignificant to the Indonesian nation. The following is a brief
\ndescription of this historic significance:<\/p>\n
On Nov. 9, 1945, the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces,
\nwithout negotiating with the Indonesian government, issued an
\nultimatum to the residents of Surabaya. The ultimatum stated:
\n\"All Indonesian leaders, including leaders of youth movements,
\nthe police chief and the head of the Surabaya radio station, must
\nreport to Bataviaweg at 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 9. They must come one
\nby one, bringing with them the weapons at their disposal. These
\nweapons must be put in a place 100 yards from the meeting place.
\nThen they must approach, hands over head. In this way they will
\nbe protected. They must be prepared to sign a letter stating that
\nthey surrender unconditionally.\"<\/p>\n
Obviously the Indonesian people in Surabaya simply ignored
\nthis ultimatum. So early in the morning on Saturday, Nov. 10,
\n1945, when the ultimatum had expired, Surabaya and its
\nsurrounding areas were attacked by a British-commanded Indian
\ndivision numbering some 15,000 troops from the land, sea and air.
\nThousands of Indonesians, combatants and civilian alike, who were
\nsimply common, innocent people, died a tragic death in the
\nsubsequent battle fought around Surabaya's port.<\/p>\n
Kalimas River flowed red with blood for days. The battle
\nbetween these unequal forces raged on until December 1945. In
\nmemory of the heroism of Surabaya's residents, which reflected
\nthe fighting spirit and determination of the entire Indonesian
\nnation, the government has stipulated Nov. 10 as Heroes' Day.<\/p>\n
In connection with Heroes' Day, allow us, the management of
\nIndah Sari Kroncong Music Orchestra, to suggest that all kroncong
\nmusic groups throughout the country observe Heroes' Day by
\nplaying heroic songs in praise of the heroes either at public
\nstages or at their own rehearsal places.<\/p>\n
Such songs as Rayuan Pulau Kelapa (The Lure of the Island of
\nCoconuts), Sepasang Mata Bola (A Pair of Round Eyes), Selendang
\nSutera (Silk Shawl), Lambaian Merah Putih (Fluttering of Red and
\nWhite), and Baktimu Kartini (Your dedication, Kartini) will
\narouse the heroic spirit when solemnly and devotedly sung. In
\nthis way, we would show a stronger determination to dedicate
\nourselves to our country and people.<\/p>\n
IBNU SLAMET HADISUSENO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/remembering-nov-10-1945-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }