Heroes Monument Surabaya
Tugu Pahlawan
A 41-metre inverted-nail-shaped monument commemorating the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. The underground November 10 Museum tells the story of Indonesia’s independence war.
The Heroes Monument stands in central Surabaya and symbolises this “City of Heroes.” It commemorates the Battle of Surabaya, which broke out on 10 November 1945 and was the largest battle between Indonesian forces and the British-Dutch allied troops after independence. The date was later designated Indonesia’s Heroes’ Day. Built in 1951–1952, the monument resembles an upturned nail and stands 41.15 metres tall, symbolising the battle’s October, November and the year 1945. Beneath it, the underground Museum Sepuluh Nopember (November 10 Museum) displays weapons from the battle, photographs, recordings of Bung Tomo’s radio broadcasts and dioramas in a modern exhibition layout. Admission is low, about IDR 5,000–10,000. The surrounding green space is open, and locals take evening strolls there. Within 1 km are the old Dutch quarter, Sampoerna House and Chinatown, which can be linked together on foot. For getting around, ride-hailing apps Grab and Gojek are convenient within the city centre.
Opening hours
Monument open all day; museum about 08:00–15:00 (closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Kampung Lawas Maspati
- Church of the Birth of Our Lady (Kepanjen Church)
- Kota Lama Surabaya & Jembatan Merah
- Surabaya Chinatown (Kya-Kya)
- Museum Surabaya (Siola)
- Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque
- Pasar Pabean
- Jalan Tunjungan