The ceremony, which began at 08:00 WIB, served as a tribute to the fighters who struggled to seize and defend Indonesia’s independence.
The commemoration marks the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Surabaya, a historic conflict that occurred when the nation’s independence was less than three months old. While the day holds significant historical weight, Aktualita reports that November 10, 2026, is not a national holiday or a collective leave day, meaning schools and offices continue regular operations.
This follows the designation of the day via Presidential Decree Number 316 of 1959 concerning National Days That Are Not Holidays, a decree signed by President Soekarno on December 16, 1959.
Prabowo Subianto attends hero title presentation at State Palace
President Prabowo Subianto did not attend the Kalibata ceremony, as he was scheduled to lead the presentation of national hero titles at the State Palace, Suara reported. Minister Yusuf explained that the absence was due to a division of tasks among government officials during the commemorations. Yusuf noted that the President had a specific agenda to confer national hero status upon several figures who met the necessary requirements.
So we are dividing the tasks; some, like the Deputy Minister, are currently with the leadership of the DPR and MPR for a flower laying ceremony at sea, while there are also activities taking place elsewhere. So, we are dividing our duties today,
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The ceremony at the cemetery was commanded by Indonesian Navy Colonel Febryanto A. of the First Fleet Air Unit. The proceedings began with Gus Ipul, wearing a black suit, blue tie, and black songkok, laying a flower wreath in front of the TMP National Main Monument at 08:11 WIB.
Following the wreath-laying, sirens sounded for 60 seconds as troops presented arms for a moment of silence to honor the struggle of the heroes of November 10, 1945. During this period, Yusuf led the tribute, stating, Kepada pahlawan, syuhada, pejuang yang telah memerdekakan bangsa ini, mengheningkan cipta mulai,
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The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including members of the Red and White Cabinet, leaders of various institutions, and officers from the TNI and Polri, Kompas reported.
National hero nominations
The Social Affairs Ministry proposed 18 individuals for national hero status this year. According to Antara, the nominees include former police chief Hoegeng Imam Santoso and Bank Negara Indonesia founder Margono Djojohadikoesoemo. President Prabowo was expected to announce the recipients of these titles later on Tuesday at the State Palace.
Historical roots of the struggle
The annual observance traces back to the intense fighting in Surabaya on November 10, 1945, between Indonesian fighters and British-led Allied forces.
Following Mallaby’s death, the British issued an ultimatum demanding that Indonesian fighters surrender their weapons and cease resistance by 06:00 on November 10, 1945. The people of Surabaya, supported by youth, militias, religious leaders, and figures such as Soerjo, refused to surrender. This resistance, which involved diverse groups of people, is what led to Surabaya being recognized as the City of Heroes.
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2026 commemoration theme
Beritasatu reported. The theme is intended to encourage the public to use the values of the heroes’ struggle—such as honesty, responsibility, and social concern—as guides in their daily lives.
Following the official ceremony, Minister Yusuf conducted a flower-laying procession at several graves within the Kalibata cemetery. Among the national figures visited were the 6th Vice President of Indonesia, Try Sutrisno; the 3rd President of Indonesia, B.J. Habibie; the 4th First Lady, Ani Yudhoyono; and former Foreign Minister Haji Agus Salim, Kompas reported.
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