Red Bridge

Historical Origins and Development Era

The historical roots of Red Bridge can be traced back to the governance of Governor-General Daendels in the early 19th century. The bridge was built through an agreement between the Dutch and Pakubuwono II of the Mataram Kingdom in 1743. From its inception, its location was highly strategic as it divided the Kalimas River, which at that time served as the main artery for water transportation in Surabaya.

During the colonial era, Red Bridge was both a physical and symbolic boundary that separated residential areas based on ethnicity. To the west of the bridge (the Willemskade area) was the center of government and European settlements, while to the east (the Kembang Jepun area) was the Chinezenkamp (Chinatown) and settlements of Arab and Malay residents. This made Red Bridge a bustling meeting point for cross-ethnic economic activities.

Architecture and Construction Details

Visually, the most striking characteristic of this bridge is the dominant red color adorning its railings and iron structure. Although it has undergone several renovations, the physical form of Red Bridge retains the functional nuances of the 19th century.

Initially, Red Bridge was built of wood with a mechanism that allowed its central section to be lifted so that merchant ships navigating the Kalimas River could pass. However, with the increasing load of land transportation, in the 1890s, the wooden structure was replaced with more robust iron materials. The bridge's safety railings feature simple yet firm colonial-style wrought iron ornaments. Although the current bridge is the result of restoration, the Surabaya city government has maintained its original aesthetics to preserve its historical value.

Historical Significance and Iconic Events

Red Bridge reached its peak historical significance during the Indonesian National Revolution, particularly in the series of events of the Battle of November 10, 1945. The bridge became the front line of defense for the arek-arek Suroboyo (Surabaya youth) in repelling the advance of Allied troops (the 49th Indian Infantry Brigade under British command).

The most phenomenal event that occurred around this area was the death of Brigadier General A.W.S. Mallaby, the commander of British forces in East Java, on October 30, 1945. The Buick car driven by Mallaby exploded and caught fire near the Internatio Building, just a few dozen meters from the end of Red Bridge. The death of this high-ranking British officer became the primary trigger for General Mansergh's ultimatum, which subsequently led to the fierce battle of November 10. The area around Red Bridge literally witnessed the bloodshed of the fighters, which, according to local legend, turned the waters of the Kalimas River red, blending with the bridge's paint color.

Related Figures and Colonial Period

Besides its connection to Brig. Gen. Mallaby, the Red Bridge area is also closely associated with the traces of national movement figures. Around this area, there is H.O.S. Tjokroaminoto's house in Peneleh, not far from the Kalimas River, where figures like young Soekarno received their education. The bridge also bears silent witness to the glory of giant Dutch trading companies like Internationale Crediet- en Handelsvereniging "Rotterdam" (Internatio), whose building still stands majestically today.

During the Japanese occupation (1942-1945), the name Red Bridge was retained, but its function shifted to a strict military control point before eventually returning to being a center of public unrest after the proclamation of independence.

Preservation and Restoration Status

The Surabaya City Government has designated Red Bridge as a Cultural Heritage Building. Preservation efforts are carried out periodically through repainting and structural reinforcement without altering its original form. The area around the bridge, known as Surabaya's Old Town, is also continuously being revitalized. The old buildings surrounding it, such as the Cigar Building and the Internatio Building, are maintained to be in harmony with the bridge's presence.

The transformation of this area into a Heritage Tourism destination aims to enable younger generations to appreciate the heroic value attached to the location. Although now surrounded by modern shopping centers like Jembatan Merah Plaza (JMP), the historical value of this bridge remains the main attraction for domestic and international tourists.

Cultural Value and Unique Facts

For the people of Surabaya, Red Bridge is not just a cultural heritage object, but a city identity. Its name is immortalized in the legendary keroncong song by Gesang titled "Jembatan Merah." The song depicts the atmosphere of farewell and waiting for a lover by the bridge during wartime, further strengthening the romanticization of this area's history in Indonesian popular culture.

Another unique fact is that despite being known as "Red Bridge," the original wood color at the beginning of its construction was not red. The red color was only applied later to symbolize courage and fighting spirit, which was then tragically justified through the bloody events of 1945.

Today, every year leading up to the commemoration of Heroes' Day, the Red Bridge area often becomes the center of theatrical parades of the Surabaya battle. The bridge continues to stand tall, connecting a past full of struggle with Surabaya's modern future, reminding every passerby that the freedom they enjoy today was paid for with great sacrifice on that red asphalt and iron.