"Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya is not just a luxury inn, but also a historic place that holds the story of the Indonesian nation's struggle. Read more below!"
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Standing since the colonial era, this hotel is an important witness to various events that marked the journey toward independence. This hotel was also involved in the incident that triggered the major battle in Surabaya on November 10, 1945, which is commemorated as Heroes' Day.
The Beginning of Hotel Majapahit
Sumber gambar: Birokrat Menulis
The hotel was initially founded on June 1, 1910, by the Lucas Martin Sarkies brothers and officially opened in 1912 under the name Oranje Hotel. During the Japanese occupation in 1942, its name changed to Yamato Hoteru. After the proclamation of independence in 1945, the hotel briefly changed its name to Hotel Merdeka, until finally in 1969 it was renamed Hotel Majapahit, inspired by the great Majapahit Kingdom in the Surabaya area.
Historical Tragedy of September 19, 1945
Sumber gambar: Suara Surabaya
A heroic event took place at the hotel, located on Jalan Tunjungan, Genteng District, on September 19, 1945. That day, a group of Dutch people raised the red, white, and blue flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on top of the hotel. The Indonesian freedom fighters, who were unwilling to accept this, immediately took action. With extraordinary bravery, Hariyono and Kusno Wibowo climbed onto the hotel roof to tear the blue section of the flag, making it red and white as a symbol of independence.
However, this action did not go without resistance. The leader of the Dutch group, WVC Ploegman, got into a brawl with Indonesian freedom fighters inside the hotel. Ploegman was eventually strangled to death by Sidik, a resident of Soedirman who had previously tried to negotiate for the flag to be lowered peacefully. Unfortunately, Sidik also died after being shot by Dutch soldiers. This incident triggered the major battle on November 10, 1945, which is later commemorated as Heroes' Day.
Name Changes and Historical Heritage
Hotel Majapahit has changed its name five times throughout its history. After being founded in 1910 as Oranje Hotel, it was renamed Hotel Yamato during the Japanese occupation, and Hotel Merdeka after the proclamation of independence in 1945. In 1946, the hotel's name changed to L.M.S Hotel, according to the name of its founder, Lucas Martin Sarkies, until finally in 1969 it became Hotel Majapahit, which is still used today.
Over time, Hotel Majapahit has developed into a luxurious five-star accommodation that still maintains its classic design. The management keeps the hotel's appearance as it was to preserve its historical value. Now, the hotel is also designated as a cultural heritage building, symbolizing the courage of the youth of Surabaya in defending Indonesia's independence.
Hotel as Cultural Heritage and Memorial Site
Sumber gambar: TripAdvisor
In honor of its historical value, Hotel Majapahit was designated as a National Cultural Heritage building by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2014. The hotel still retains its art nouveau and art deco style architecture, with decorations that invite guests to feel nostalgic about the past. The large garden inside the hotel is often used for weddings, and a monument is built in front of the hotel to commemorate the tearing of the Dutch flag, which became a symbol of the struggle.
Theatrical Representation of Flag Tearing and Heroes' Day
Sumber gambar: RRI.co.id
Every year, the Surabaya City Government holds a theatrical performance to commemorate the event of the tearing of the Dutch flag that occurred at Hotel Yamato. This show, which involves hundreds of performers, aims to recall the incident as the starting point of the battle that sparked Heroes' Day on November 10, 1945.
Hotel Majapahit not only offers luxury but also holds a heroic story that remains timeless. This place serves as a reminder of the bravery of the heroes who fought for Indonesia's independence, making it an important destination for tourists and history lovers. Currently, visitors can stay at this five-star hotel with rates starting from Rp948,000 per night, at Jalan Tunjungan 65, Surabaya, to experience the atmosphere of the history of the struggle for independence.
