When that light was still named Koesno

History serves as a reminder that even from a simple corner of a city, an idea can grow and change the destiny of a nation. In a quiet corner of Surabaya, a modest house stands as the starting point of the journey of a child named Koes_no Sosrodihardjo. From the village alleys near the river and simple study rooms to his encounters with movement figures, a young man grew who would later be known to the world as Soekarno.

These traces are now being brought to life through the ‘Aku Arek Suroboyo’ exhibition, organised by the Surabaya City Government as part of Bung Karno Month. Held at the Surabaya Square Basement from 6–19 June 2026, the exhibition does more than just display historical photographs and archives; it poses a question relevant to the present day: how well does this nation still know Soekarno as a human being shaped by his environment, rather than merely a figure displayed in history books?

Amidst the rapid flow of digital information, the effort to reintroduce Bung Karno’s story from Surabaya is vital. History often remains limited to the memorisation of dates and events, whereas behind it lies a long process of character building, thought, and courage that remains relevant to this day.