Heroes Monument and Ten November Museum

Heroic Architecture of the Heroes Monument and Ten November Museum: A Symbol of Surabaya's People's Resistance

The Heroes Monument and Ten November Museum are more than just concrete and stone structures in the heart of Surabaya City. Located in the city's historical center, precisely in front of the East Java Governor's Office, this monument stands as a physical embodiment of the "Merdeka atau Mati" (Freedom or Death) spirit ignited by the people of Surabaya during the fierce battle of 1945. Architecturally, this complex offers a unique blend of classic vertical monumentality and modern subterranean museum design.

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Design Philosophy and Lingga-Yoni Aesthetics

The Heroes Monument features a design rich with numerical symbolism referring to the historic date of November 10, 1945. The monument has an inverted nail or lingga shape that soars into the sky. The body of the monument is divided into 10 arches (channels) and consists of 11 segments. These numbers were not chosen randomly; the 10 arches symbolize the date, the 11 segments symbolize the month, and the monument's height of 41.15 meters (or 45 meters when calculated from a certain base in some technical literature) reflects the year 1945.

Its architectural style adopts a minimalist yet monumental principle. The monument's clean white surface symbolizes the purity of the struggle, while its upward-tapering shape gives a dynamic and aspirational impression—a visual prayer offered to the heavens. At the base of the monument, reliefs depict fragments of the battle, adding a narrative texture to the static structure.

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Historical Context and Construction Process

The construction of the Heroes Monument was initiated by Doel Arnowo, the Mayor of Surabaya at the time, who then commissioned Ir. R. Soeratmoko to design it. The first stone was laid by President Soekarno on November 10, 1951, exactly six years after the bloody event. The construction site on the former grounds of the Raad van Justitie (Dutch High Court) was strategically chosen because the area was one of the fiercest battlegrounds during the military aggression.

The construction process faced technical challenges, considering that the ground in the center of Surabaya tends to be soft. The use of deep foundations and solid reinforced concrete structures ensured that the monument remained standing tall through the decades. The work was carried out by the Surabaya City Hall and completed within a year, re-inaugurated by Soekarno on November 10, 1952.

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Architectural Innovation: The Ten November Museum

In contrast to the soaring monument, the Ten November Museum, built later (inaugurated in 1991), adopts a contrasting yet complementary architectural concept. To ensure that the visual perspective of the Heroes Monument was not obstructed by the new building, the architect decided to build the museum 7 meters below ground level.

From above, visitors will only see a small pyramid-shaped roof structure emerging from the grassy surface, serving as a skylight or natural lighting. This subterranean architectural strategy creates a psychological effect for visitors; it's as if they are "entering history" and experiencing the silence and sacredness of the struggle buried in the earth of Surabaya. The museum's interior space is dominated by exposed concrete and dramatic dim lighting, creating a contemplative atmosphere.

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Unique Architectural Elements and Interior

One of the most prominent features inside the museum is the auditorium and exhibition hall, which utilize a ramp circulation system. These ramps guide visitors chronologically through various dioramas depicting the course of the battle. The use of audio-visual technology and sound systems that echo in the underground space provides a strong sensory dimension.

In the outdoor area or plaza, there is an iconic statue of Soekarno and Hatta standing near the ruins of colonial-style pillars—remnants of the Raad van Justitie building. The contrast between the destroyed colonial pillars and the intact, standing Heroes Monument is an architectural statement about the collapse of imperialism and the rise of national sovereignty. Additionally, there are collections of heavy weaponry, such as cannons and tanks, strategically placed in the garden landscape to reinforce the site's militaristic identity.

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Cultural and Social Significance

For the people of Surabaya, the Heroes Monument is the zero point of their identity. In urban terms, this complex functions as the city's "lungs" as well as a democratic public space. The vast field surrounding the monument is often used for state ceremonies, military parades, and community activities.

Symbolically, the monument has succeeded in transforming the collective memory of war trauma into civic pride. Its architecture was not designed to intimidate, but to inspire. Every element, from the number of arches to the depth of the underground museum, was designed to ensure that the narrative of heroism is not just read in history books, but felt through space and scale.

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Visitor Experience and Current Function

Today, the Heroes Monument and Ten November Museum have transformed into a world-class historical tourist destination. Visitors are welcomed by a grand gate resembling a modern candi bentar (split gate), providing a transition from the hustle and bustle of Surabaya's streets to the sacred area of the monument.

At night, the lighting design directed at the monument's body creates a dramatic effect, making the inverted nail seem to glow on its own in the darkness. Regular maintenance of the monument's white paint ensures its aesthetic appeal is preserved. The surrounding green areas are also landscaped with tropical principles, providing shade and balancing the hardscape materials of concrete and stone.

As a work of architecture, the Heroes Monument and Ten November Museum is a successful example of how design can preserve memory without appearing outdated. It remains relevant as a modern landmark that honors the past, while also serving as a visual anchor for Surabaya's future as the City of Heroes.