Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Submarine Monument (Monkasel): A Glimpse of Maritime Glory and the Cold War in the Heart of Surabaya

Submarine Monument, or more commonly known by its acronym Monkasel, is more than just a replica or a ship-shaped building. Strategically located on the banks of the Kalimas River in the center of Surabaya City, East Java, this monument is the actual submarine KRI Pasopati 410, one of the combat fleets of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI AL) from the Whiskey Class built by the Soviet Union. Its existence now stands as a silent witness to the dedication of Indonesian maritime patriots and a symbol of the once-respected maritime power in the Southeast Asian region.

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Historical Origins and Establishment Period

KRI Pasopati 410 was produced by the Vladivostok shipyard in the Soviet Union in 1952. The ship arrived in Indonesia in the 1960s as part of the military fleet reinforcement for Operation Trikora (Tri People's Command). After decades of service guarding Indonesia's territorial sovereignty, this submarine was finally decommissioned on January 25, 1990.

The idea to turn KRI Pasopati into a monument emerged from submarine veterans and TNI AL leaders. The goal was to pass on the values of struggle to the younger generation and to educate them about maritime history. The construction of Monkasel began in 1994 with the laying of the first stone by the then Commander of the Indonesian Navy's Eastern Fleet Command, Vice Admiral TNI Gantoardoro. The monument was officially opened to the public by the Commander of the TNI, General Wiranto, on June 27, 1998.

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Unique Architecture and Construction Details

One of the most fascinating historical facts about Monkasel is its construction process. Transporting a 1,300-ton submarine intact from a naval base to the city center was logistically impossible. Therefore, KRI Pasopati 410 was cut into 15 sections (slices) at PT PAL Indonesia.

These sections were then transported one by one to the current location on Jalan Pemuda, right next to Plaza Surabaya. At this site, the ship's sections were reassembled with high precision on a prepared foundation. Despite being cut, the ship's interior was maintained according to its original condition, providing an authentic experience for visitors entering it.

The ship measures 76.6 meters in length and 6.3 meters in width. The interior space is divided into seven main compartments:

1. Bow Torpedo Room: Where torpedoes were launched and crew slept.

2. Command Room: The ship's control and navigation center.

3. Main Room/Periscope Room: Where the commander monitored the water surface.

4. Mess Hall and Galley: The domestic area for the sailors.

5. Diesel Engine Room: The ship's primary power source.

6. Electric Motor Room: Propels the ship when submerged.

7. Stern Torpedo Room: Rear defense.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

KRI Pasopati 410 played a crucial role in Indonesia's diplomatic and military history, especially during the campaign to reclaim West Irian from the Dutch. The presence of this Whiskey Class submarine had a significant deterrent effect. At that time, Indonesia possessed 12 similar submarines, making it the strongest naval force in the Southern Hemisphere.

The ship was actively involved in intelligence operations and infiltration behind enemy lines. Its ability to submerge undetected made it an important instrument in pressuring the Dutch to return to the negotiating table. Without the presence of this submarine fleet, Indonesia's political map and territorial boundaries might be very different today.

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Related Figures and Periods

Important figures associated with Monkasel include the submarine commanders who served on KRI Pasopati, as well as Vice Admiral TNI Gantoardoro, who initiated the establishment of this monument. The monument also serves as a tribute to the "Hiu Kencana" (the nickname for Indonesian submarine crews) who carried the motto "Wira Ananta Rudira", meaning Steadfast Until the End.

The period from the 1960s to the 1980s was the golden age of this ship, where it was part of the Cold War strategy in the Southeast Asian region. The close relationship between Indonesia and the Soviet Union during President Soekarno's leadership enabled the transfer of this advanced military technology, which later formed the foundation for Indonesia's naval defense independence.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a historical site, the Submarine Monument undergoes regular maintenance to prevent corrosion, given that its primary material is steel, which is susceptible to Surabaya's tropical weather. Repainting with the characteristic warship gray color is done periodically. Additionally, air conditioning systems have been added inside the compartments to provide comfort for visitors without altering the original layout of navigation equipment and weaponry.

The Surabaya City Government, along with the TNI AL, maintains the area around the monument as a green public space. Supporting facilities such as a children's swimming pool, an entertainment stage, and the screening of documentary films about submarine history in a dedicated video building are part of adaptive preservation efforts to keep this historical site relevant for millennials and Gen Z.

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Cultural and Educational Importance

For the people of Surabaya, Monkasel is not just a tourist attraction but an identity of the city nicknamed the "City of Heroes." The monument's existence reinforces the narrative that Surabaya is a maritime city and a center for naval defense in Eastern Indonesia. Culturally, Monkasel symbolizes courage and resilience.

Every year, Monkasel becomes the center for national holiday celebrations and a primary destination for study tours from schools across Indonesia. Its presence reminds the public of the importance of safeguarding maritime sovereignty, considering that two-thirds of Indonesia's territory is water.

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Unique Facts About the Submarine Monument

One rarely known unique fact is that KRI Pasopati 410 is the only submarine monument in Asia that is an actual operational vessel, not just a fabricated monument. Furthermore, its location in the city center, right next to the Kalimas River, creates an interesting visual contrast between ancient military technology and the backdrop of Surabaya's modern buildings.

By visiting the Submarine Monument, visitors don't just see old, frozen metal, but also feel the pulse of the nation's struggle that once triumphed on the vast ocean. Monkasel stands firm as a reminder that a nation's glory heavily depends on its ability to preserve and honor its own maritime history.