LOOKING BACK ON CONTAINED ON THE MEANING HEROES DAY 10 NOVEMBER

Presumably, for many of us, no longer need to be reminded that 10 November is one of the many historic day of tremendous importance in the course of the Indonesian nation. Since more than half a century ago, on 10 November has been declared by our nation as Memorial Day. At the time of Sukarno-Hatta, the day is celebrated nationally (meaning: everywhere, all over the country) as a Great Day which is celebrated in solemn, and with a great sense of pride. At that time, Memorial Day commemoration is an opportunity for the whole nation not only to commemorate the services and sacrifices of fighters - countless _ in a common struggle for the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia which had just proclaimed on August 17, 1945. Heroes' Day commemoration 10 November has also been an ideal opportunity to always foster national consciousness together. Today, in 2000, when the state and our nation enters a new period full of a variety of serious and complicated matter, together look back and contemplate the meaning of Memorial Day 10 November, may be beneficial. That way, we will recall that the Republic of Indonesia is now is the result of so many people struggle (which consists of various ethnic, religious, racial ancestry, political belief), and in the long term anyway. By reflecting, in a deep, various stages of the struggle of the people, then it would be more obvious to us all, that the Republic of Indonesia this is truly ours berama. IMPORTANT STEP IN THE LONG MARCH NATION In reflecting on the meaning of Memorial Day 10 November already sepatutnyalah be, that we view the incident as an important stage in the long march (travel distance) of our nation. And how long, or away, the long march that must be taken by our nation, for the birth of this republic! Long march has been substantially begun, among others, with the birth of Budi Utomo (Surabaya, May 20, 1908, now celebrated as the Day of National Awakening), the birth of Islam SI (Jakarta, 1912), Indische Partij (Bandung, 1912), Muhammadiyah ( Jogya 1912), PKI (Semarang, 1920), the Association of Indonesia (in the Netherlands, 1922), rebel CPI (Central Java and West Sumatra, 1926), the birth of PNI (1927). In a long line _long march_ this nation we should also note the participation of various movements such as Jong Java (1918), which also by the birth disemarakkan Jong Sumatra, Celebes Jong, Jong Ambon, Youth Indonesia (Jakarta, 1927), which later culminated in the birth Youth Pledge (1928). Other sections in a long line of march of the nation, which can not be forgotten, too, was born Parindra, Gerindo, Partindo, Center for the People's Power (1943, led by Sukarno-Hatta four series-Ki Hajar Dewantoro Kyai Haji-Mas Mansur), birth Defenders of the Homeland _PETA (1943), and the Barisan Pioneers (1944, led by Sukarno). And also under-ground movement of anti-fascism Japanese, as well as rebel PETA in Blitar (February 14, 1945). If we look back into the ranks _long march_ proclamation of independence, then It appeared how wonderful and glorious sight. So many people from various ethnic, religious, racial origin ancestry, political beliefs, has taken part in long march away, with no small sacrifice. They are, in different situations, and different capabilities, have contributed in the development of national consciousness to fight an enemy that one: Dutch colonialism. (And, it being understood equally we remember, that in this case the role of the history of Bung Karno not small). Therefore, it can presumably be said that on 10 November 1945 was the manifestation of centralized collective determination to defend the people of the nation's independence from Dutch colonialism. Namely national independence that has been championed for so long by the various groups since 1908 (even earlier). This collective commitment has been translated in fierce battles not only in Surabaya, but also in many other battles in Java and Sumatra. 10 NOVEMBER 1945 TO DEFEND THE REPUBLIC By tracing back the history of national struggle, it is clear that the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed by Sukarno-Hatta on August 17, 1945 date is the result of labors, the flow of tears and blood, the sacrifices in prisons or in landfills Digul, which donated by so many people from various segments of society of this country. And we mean that would bisalah battles Surabaya (and in other places then) is, in essence, the defense of the freedom fighters before the 1945 pioneers. In summary, 10 November 1945 is a real form of collective determination to defend the Republic of Indonesia (who was then about 3 months old). With such a historical approach that is increasingly seen that 10 November is a part of history that there is a rope-temalinya - or an extension _ with previously important events in the fight against Dutch colonialism, among other things: the spirit of rebel Communist Party in 1926, speech by Bung Karno _Indonesia Menggugat_ in before a Dutch court in Bandung (1927), the birth of Pancasila speech by Bung Karno (June 1, 1945). If we consider both re-consider the Bung Karno's second speech, and we think it is deeply, we discover in it the ideals of our nation to achieve national independence and national unity, in order to establish a nation for our people. When viewed from various aspects, large-scale battles and heroic being waged by the youth of diverse ethnic groups in Surabaya _ with broad support from the people _ indeed a newsworthy event memories, lessons or education. Therefore, it is true that the incident was used as a day of great nations, namely Heroes Day. Not only that battle Surabaya has become _obor_ and source of encouragement for whipping up a lot of resistance in many other areas, but also an event which then attracted the attention of the international diplomatic world. (The international factor is an important time, because we are young republic also requires de jure recognition from the international world) .. BACKGROUND IN BRIEF HISTORY Without exposing the history and background of Heroes' Day 10 November in long-winded, it may be useful for us to remember the various data or facts related to it, just to refresh memories. In summary, or solid, are the following: On March 1, 1942 Japanese troops landed on the island of Java, and the Dutch colonial government surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese on March 8. Since then, Indonesia was occupied by Japanese fascism. With the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki) in August 1945 by the United States, then on August 15, 1945 Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. During the Japanese occupation, in the midst of human suffering caused by the Japanese occupation and war, among the many groups born spirit of anti-Western or anti-colonialism, in addition to anti-Japanese feelings (particularly towards the year 1945). In order to face all possible preparations to face the Allies, the Japanese government has used various means and reason to _merangkul_ people of Indonesia, to face the Allies. Map (Defenders of the Homeland) has been formed, and Japan also promised to the nation _kemerdekaan_ Indonesia. The leaders of Indonesia (including Sukarno, Hatta, etc.) have used a variety of opportunities that time to develop strength, for the ideals for national independence. With the defeat of Japan facing the Allies, then the independence of Indonesia was proclaimed on 17 August, when the Japanese occupation forces are still not disarmed by the Allies. Since that happens many people's movement to disarm the Japanese troops, resulting in the battles that took the lives in many areas. When the movement to disarm the Japanese troops were burning was then on 15 September 1945 British troops landed in Jakarta and on October 25, also in Surabaya. British soldiers were brought to Indonesia over the decision and on behalf of the Allies, with the task to disarm the Japanese army, freeing the prisoners who were detained Japan, and repatriate the Japanese troops to his country. But, in addition, British troops also bear the task (in secret) to restore Indonesia to the Dutch government as a colony. Developments since the landing of troops Inngris in various areas in Indonesia showed that the presence (on behalf of the Allies) was Ridden by the Dutch plan to re-colonize Indonesia. The British Army (Allied) who came to Indonesia also include NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Adminsitration). The fact is that throwing a tantrum Indonesian people everywhere. In Surabaya, the Dutch flag dikibarkannya Red-White-Blue in the hotel Yamato has spawned _Insiden Tunjungan_, which burned whipping up armed clashes between British troops with diverse body formed by the people's struggle. In short, armed clashes with British troops in Surabaya, the more heightened by the murder of Brigadier General Mallaby, chairman of British troops to East Java, on 30 October. Since the murder of Brigadier General Mallaby was, then his successor (Major General Mansergh) issued an ultimatum that is an insult to the fighters and the people generally. In the ultimatum stated that all the leaders and people of Indonesia are armed to report and put the gun in the place designated and submit himself to raise their hands above. Limit of the ultimatum was at 6 am on 10 November 1945. Massive attack DATED 10 NOVEMBER It is only natural that such an ultimatum had been rejected. Therefore, the Republic of Indonesia at that time had stood (although recently proclaimed), and People's Security Army as an instrument of the state have also been established. In addition, many organizations struggle had been born by diverse groups in society, including among young people, students and learners. Agencies that struggle has emerged as a common manifestation determination to defend the young republic, to disarm the Japanese troops, and to oppose the re-entry of Dutch colonialism (the ride with the presence of British troops in Indonesia). On November 10 morning, British troops launched a massive and very powerful, by deploying about 30,000 troops, 50 aircraft and a large number of warships. Various parts of the city of Surabaya showered with bombs, fired blindly with a cannon from the sea and land. Thousands of residents were affected, many died and many more wounded. However, resistance fighters also raged throughout the city, with the active assistance of the population. British opposition parties suspect that the people of Indonesia in Surabaya can be conquered within three days, by deploying a complete modern weaponry, including aircraft, warships, tanks and armored vehicles that quite a lot. Apparently, People's Security Army (which later became the TNI) is considered lightly, especially bodies of armed struggle (militias etc.) which have been founded by the people. However, the British parties beyond expectations, it turns out that the resistance could last a long, lasting from day to day, and the other from week to week. Resistance of the people who in the beginning the spontaneous and uncoordinated, more and more regularly. Apparently, this massive battle takes up to a month, before the city fell in the hands of the British parties. MEANING OF GREATNESS 10 NOVEMBER Greatness is the meaning of the battle of Surabaya, which is then confirmed as Memorial Day, not only because so many heroes - both known and not known _ who have sacrificed themselves for the sake of the Republic of Indonesia. Nor only because the length of the battle on a large scale and magnitude of opposing forces. Besides all, the greatness of the meaning of the battle Surabaya is also located on the role and influence, for the time course of the revolution. Battle of Surabaya has been able to mobilize the masses to participate, either actively or passively, in the struggle against the common enemy at that time, the British soldiers who protect or _menyelundupkan_ NICA into Indonesian territory. Battle of Surabaya also has spread, to the areas most distant in Indonesia, republican consciousness, high patriotism, solidarity among the various arms race, religion, ancestry. P_ngaruhnya like a big flame that burns the spirit of resistance that appeared also the battle in many places in Indonesia. (To mention just a few of them: in Jakarta on November 18th, in Semarang on 18 November, in Riau on the 18th of November, in Ambarawa on 21 November, on the island of Bangka November 21, at Brastagi November 25th, in Bandung on 6 December, in Medan December 6, in Bogor on December 6). The main characteristic of the various struggles that erupted in many cities and regions in Indonesia is that the events that had great moral and material support from the people, which means it also has a sense of patriotic unity in the struggle, and on a large scale. In this connection, it should be remembered along with how many soup kitchens that have been organized by people everywhere for those who are struggling, without compensation whatsoever. Also, how many party youths who flocked to the combat zone. That is, the struggle against the British (and NICA) has inspired the spirit of patriotism that cross-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-racial descent, and cross-flow of politics. In the spirit it was also, the people of Indonesia and then continue, between 1945 to 1949, the struggle against the Dutch, after the Allies (Britain) left Indonesia. In remembering the battle Surabaya (and also other battles that occurred in many places in our country) then terbayanglah how wonderful atmosphere at the time of the revolution, when the high patriotism and the spirit of willing sacrifice for the benefit of the people and nations become common pride. The atmosphere at the time of the revolution has provided great moral education for many people. After our nation through the dark New Order, when the fire of patriotism has been made to fade and unconscious spirit of democracy has been made for decades, it is fitting we would still keep the hope that our nation will be able to find the back of the direction that has been demonstrated by the pioneer freedom fighters and the heroes who have preceded us, namely: the spirit of Unity in Diversity continues to serve the interests of the people are sincere!