Battle of Surabaya

- Indonesia experienced a vacuum of power.

President Sukarno declared the

independence of Indonesia on August 17th, 1945.

Based on the Vienna Convention in 1942,

the Allies, especially the Dutch,

claimed Indonesia to be part of the Netherlands' East Indies.

The Netherlands was about to rule Indonesia once again.

But, Indonesia had changed.

Former HEIHO and PETA armies

from the Japanese occupation

raised a sense of nationalism and patriotism.

Indonesia chose to fight and defend its independence.

Local people who used to be members of

the Japanese paramilitary, the distorted Kipas Hitam

Organization were another threat to the nation's struggle.

The arrival of the Dutch in the AFNEI and NICA

in Soerabaja triggered the conflict of peace.

Tens of thousands of republican militia and armies

faced thousands of fully armed allied forces.

This incident is known as The Battle of November 10th.

Or, The Battle of Soerabaja.

That day, everybody was happy.

Colonialism in this country was over.

The people shared the joy.

Celebrations were going on.

But, that happiness didn't last long.

The Allies and the Dutch had returned to Soerabaja.

Prices were rising.

There was chaos everywhere.

I just wanted to eat and sleep well.

That's all, nothing else.

Mr. Yoshimura.

Good morning, sir.

Yeah yeah, plenty of dirty shoes this morning.

His name is Captain Yoshimura.

He's a Japanese military officer.

Good morning, Musa.

I'm not afraid.

My mother was a Fujinkai.

My mother said my father died in a battle against the Dutch.

Mr. Yoshimura, I regard him as my father.

But, he is going to leave soon.

He is happy the war has ended.

All he wants to do is go back home.

To see Mount Fujiyama.

To see sakura blossoms fall.

And to be with his daughter, Kioko,

and his wife again.

I am sad, but,

I have to look after my mother.

Good morning, please.

Good morning, thank you.

Thank you for coming.

- Mr. Shibata, as we know the situation here,

I was ordered by Admiral Patterson

from HMS Cumberlines that I have to proceed to Soerabaja

in order to inspect the harbor works

and all naval installations at Tanjung Perak.

Thank you, sir.

'Til we meet again.

- After the Dai Nippon surrendered

to the Allies on August sixth, 1945,

the proclamation by Mr. Sukarno

and Mr. Hatta on August 17, 1945,

hopefully Indonesia has gained its sovereignty.

And the Youths of Soerabaja have managed to seize weapons,

and disarm the Japanese army.

Mr. Yoshimura.

Mr. Yoshimura, sir.

Mr. Yoshimura, sir.

Mr. Yoshimura.

Mr. Yoshimura.

Mr. Yoshimura.

Musa.

Yes sir?

Mr. Yoshimura.

Mr. Yoshimura, sir.

Mr. Yoshimura.

Why are you home so late?

Forgive me for being so late, mother.

There were plenty of dirty shoes.

I had to clean them all.

What's wrong, Musa?

Mister.

Mister?

What do you mean?

Mr. Yoshimura.

He was killed by KNIL.

He was a very good man.

Why was his life so short?

I pray that he will be accepted at God's side.

Amen.

Huh?

Yumna?

Come on, follow me.

This is my spot.

Hey, I was here first.

You go find another spot.

But, this is my usual spot.

- As a matter of fact, I was here first.

This is my spot.

Now, don't bother me, it's mine.

Hey, wait.

You again?

What do you want?

I was wrong.

I'm sorry.

Here, I'm Yumna.

Musa.

If only there was no war.

- All I want is to eat well and sleep well.

My mother is ill back at home.

Ever since the Fujinkai was dismissed,

we only live in a small shack.

Rice has gotten expensive.

As has the price of clothes.

It seems like money has lost its value.

I earn extra money as a messenger so we can both eat.

Mr. Yoshimura used to give me

extra money for polishing his shoes

and delivering letters.

Now, he is no longer here.

- I was raised by my parents in a Dutch environment.

They worked as house staff in Mr. Phonerkel's house.

Marie was master's beautiful daughter.

We were childhood friends.

We used to run around in a garden,

and play with water.

Our fathers always reminded us to behave.

I often sneaked and peeped

when Marie was having private lessons

with her Dutch teacher.

- The power of the Dai Nippon force

is far superior to the power of the

American, English, and Dutch forces in Asia.

One by one, their strong fortresses are taken down

by the Dai Nippon army.

- A couple of months after the announcement on the radio,

Mr. Phonerkel gathered all the house staff and guards.

Mary, come here.

Shh.

My mother was turned into a

Bye.

Huijer has arrived.

The situation of the city is at stake.

The Youths' hatred toward the Japanese

and the foreigners could cause chaos everywhere.

The courage of the Youths to take over

the important places is really

an incredible struggle and sacrifice.