Sutomo: The Leader of Post-Proclamation War in Surabay

Sutomo, also known as Bung Tomo, was a prominent figure in the post-proclamation war in Surabaya, which took place in October and November 1945. Born on October 3, 1920, in Surabaya, East Java, Sutomo played a crucial role in uplifting the fighting spirits of the young men in Surabaya during the time when the city was bombarded by English troops. Before embarking on his military career, Sutomo had a successful stint as a journalist. He was also actively involved in various political and social groups. However, it was during the post-proclamation war that Sutomo emerged as a prominent leader, known for his emotional preamble calls in his radio broadcasts. The English troops aimed to crush the Japanese troops and liberate Dutch prisoners in Surabaya. Despite Indonesia's eventual defeat on November 10, 1945, the resistance put up by the Indonesian forces, led by Sutomo, was significant. Surabaya managed to hold off the English troops for an impressive 10 hours. After Indonesia gained independence, Sutomo ventured into politics in 1950. However, he often found himself at odds with the new president, Soeharto, and frequently voiced his disagreements. This led to his arrest and imprisonment from 1970 to 1978. Despite his significant contributions, Sutomo was not initially recognized as a National Hero. It was only in 2008 that he was finally posthumously awarded this prestigious title. Sutomo passed away during the Hajj pilgrimage in the Plain of Arafat, Saudi Arabia, on October 7, 1981. He was buried in a common graveyard in Surabaya. Sutomo's legacy as a leader during the post-proclamation war in Surabaya continues to inspire generations. His unwavering spirit and dedication to the cause of Indonesian independence serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation's freedom.