Situated 1.2 kilometres north of Taman Bungkul the Monumen Perjuangan Polri (Monument to the struggle of the National Police) stands in a small garden at the intersection of Jl. Polisi Istimewa and Jl. Raya Surabaya.

The monument commemorates the founding of the Police Force of the Republic of Indonesia on August 21st 1945 with the official proclamation at the base of the monument:

“Oentoek bersatoe dengan rakjat dalam perdjoeangan mempertahankan Proklamsi 17 Agoestoes 1945, dengan ini menjatakan Polisi sebagai Polisi Repoeblik Indonesia.”

Translated - as best as I can with the aid of Google Translate (not ideal I know - but better than my patchy Bahasa Indonesia) the proclamation states:

"Oentoek is united with the people in the struggle to defend the Proclamation of 17th Agoestoes 1945, hereby declaring the Police as the Indonesian Repoeblik Police."

Oentoek, which is the Dutch variant of the Indonesian word untuk, simply means for and it’s clear that this proclamation serves to impress upon the Indonesian people two important facts about the Police force.

Firstly, to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the Proclamation of Indonesian independence and defend their homeland and secondly, to stand united with their fellow countrymen and women.

One thing that you will learn very quickly about Indonesians is how much they love their country; their patriotism and attachment to their land, its history and culture is a quality that is sadly remiss in many quarters of the West.

The monument itself is situated on a raised circular platform reached by steps and consists of 3 dark stone vertical walls, inscribed with names of Police officers over the years since 1945, surrounded by a golden sculptural relief at its base and what looks like flower petals at the top of the monument adorned by an abstract looking shape that I couldn’t quite identify.

The sculptural relief adorning the base of the monument depicts various scenes showing Police officers supporting and fighting with fellow Indonesians against the Japanese invaders in 1945.These include raising the Indonesian flag over the Yamato hotel, officers arming fellow Indonesians with rifles and taking part in the fighting in the streets of Surabaya.

Although this is a busy part of Surabaya the location of the monument feels quite peaceful even with it being situated only a few metres from the main road. In many ways the small garden that surrounds the monument affords a tranquillity that might otherwise not exist (and what a fitting atmosphere for such a monument).

You won’t need more than 10 minutes to visit this landmark (and you will need to travel there by bus or taxi/bike - unless, like myself, you’re happy to walk the 1.2km north from Taman Bungkul) but it’s an interesting piece of both Surabayan and Indonesian history.

Getting there

Located at Jl. Polisi Istimewa, Keputran, Kec. Tegalsari, Kota Surabaya the monument can be reached by foot (but be warned it will be quite a walk - 1.2km from Taman Bungkul…if you happen to visit that particular location) or bus service (as there is a bus stop on the opposite side of the road) but more likely via a taxi/bike service such as those available through Gojek and Grab for example.

Fee

The monument is free for everyone to see.