English Transcript of Bung Tomo's Famous Speech During the Heroic Battle of Surabaya

In Commemoration of Indonesia’s Heroes Day – November 10

Every November 10, the people of Indonesia commemorate Heroes Day (Hari Pahlawan) to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for independence. One of the most powerful voices that ignited the spirit of freedom during the Battle of Surabaya in 1945 was that of Bung Tomo.

His fiery speech, broadcast over the radio, inspired thousands of young fighters to stand their ground against colonial forces — a spirit that continues to echo through generations.

Below is the English transcript of his legendary speech that moved the hearts of millions and became one of Indonesia’s most memorable historical moments.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Merdeka..!!

Comrades, the humble people throughout Indonesia—especially those living in Surabaya—today we all know that the British troops have spread pamphlets threatening us. Within a limited time, we are ordered to surrender the weapons we seized from the Japanese. They demand that we approach them with raised hands, carrying white flags as a sign of surrender.

Comrades, in previous battles, we have already shown them that the people of Surabaya—the youth from Maluku, Sulawesi, Bali, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Aceh, Tapanuli, and every corner of Indonesia—together with the people’s militias formed in the kampongs, have stood as one unbreakable defense. We have proven our strength and pinned them down everywhere.

Only through deceit—by inviting our President and other leaders to Surabaya—did they manage to force a ceasefire. And during that ceasefire, they strengthened their forces. Now that they feel powerful, they have come again with threats.

Comrades, the people of Indonesia in Surabaya will take up this challenge! And if the British commanders wish to hear our answer—the answer of the Indonesian youth and the people of Surabaya—then listen well!

This is our answer!
This is the answer of the people of Surabaya!
This is the voice of Indonesian youth!

Hey, British soldiers! You want us to bring white flags and surrender to you!

Hey, British soldiers!
You demand that we carry white flags and surrender to you!
You demand that we raise our hands and submit the weapons we seized from the Japanese!

Even though you threaten to attack us with all your power—this is our answer:

As long as the red blood still flows in our bodies, to color the white cloth that forms our Red and White flag, we shall never surrender to anyone!

Comrades, people of Surabaya, be prepared! The situation is critical. But remember—do not fire until they fire at us first! Let us prove that we are a people who desire freedom and peace.

Comrades, we would rather be destroyed than live without freedom.
Our motto remains: “Independence or Death!”
And believe, comrades—in the end, victory will be ours.
Allah is always with those who stand for what is right.
Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Merdeka!

Note: This speech was delivered by Sutomo, better known as Bung Tomo, and broadcast repeatedly during the November 1945 Battle of Surabaya by RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia) and other revolutionary stations. It greatly boosted the spirit and courage of Indonesian fighters at that time.

Sixty-three years later, on November 10, 2008, Bung Tomo was posthumously awarded the title “National Hero” through Presidential Decree No. 041/TK/2008, signed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Bung Tomo passed away in Padang Arafah (the Arafah Desert) during his pilgrimage on October 7, 1981, twenty-seven years before being officially recognized as a national hero. At the request of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, his body was returned to his beloved homeland and laid to rest at a public cemetery in Ngagel, Surabaya.

1st update: Thu, June 13th, 2013 1:00AM
2nd update: Sat, Nov 8th, 2025 8:45PM

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