Encounter to Hidden Historical Street of Surabaya

by Cista Sukma (Indonesia)

I didn't expect to find Indonesia

Wheels and motorcycle fight for their way in the streets, modernized tall buildings are everywhere your eyes rest -were my impressions when I first come to Surabaya for my study. As I begun my new hectic life in this big city, I found nothing else that could bring peace to me except reading a historical fiction book in my tiny dormitory room. "I was living a boring life" was my thought at that time. Little did I know that this city I've been living in was hiding a historical side worth to see. It was April 2019, when I decided to come out from my comfort zone and explore Surabaya. I came out with an idea to participated in a volunteer program where I could give my contribution to society and also explore new places I've never been to before. As I traveled to the volunteer event that took place, I passed on a street called Jembatan Merah. Here, I came across an unusual sight, where I couldn't see any modern or tall building but old European and Chinese style architectural buildings instead. Realizing that this particular street in Surabaya might be the center of colonial activities put me on an exciting thought about the past hidden in this street. There were a lot of European style buildings painted in white tones with a little park in front of them. During my trip, I also saw a shop complex that was probably the center of trade in the past because I noticed that most of the buildings were built in Chinese style. Not to mention the nostalgic vibe that I noticed while passing this street. As I wait for the traffic light turned green -which I usually find bored, surprisingly bore didn't come to me as usual, as I put my whole attention to the remaining historical details of places alongside this street. Our volunteering event took place at the Rajawali complex. This complex was a place where most war veterans stayed with their families. I encountered Mr. Ismoenandar, a proud Indonesian soldier who fought during the colonial era. He was sitting in a wheelchair and struggled to speak, but his eyes were full of passion to tell his story. I have to say that I was in a loss of words to hear his story. As he pointed to the complex, which he remembered once as a dormitory for soldiers lead by the colony, he said "I remember the day when I and my comrades plan our fight here. For Surabaya freedom and so Indonesian independence. Until this day, I am very proud to say that I fought for Indonesia and I am proud to be one." A quiet and serene afternoon that we spent there while talking to the war veterans made me could easily immerse myself in their story, imagining I was there with them. Overall, it was an exceptional experience for me! After a while, we conclude our event and started to go home one by one. I stood on the pathway, looking at a park along with a twilight sky in front of me. I saw a lot of people, young and old, chattered in a group. The park is fully enhanced by trees and flowers, also historical monuments to memorate Surabaya fight for freedom in the past. Historical Park, the name of this park that somehow goes along with the ambiance there. This sudden trip was short but memorable. I never thought I could find a center of historical activities in this modern city. My encounter with the veterans in the Rajawali complex also gave me a valuable lesson to learn, "Don't give up and Be proud of what you fight for!" At the end of the day, this particular place in Surabaya has unexpectedly become my Querencia -a place where I can find peace to heal my hectic day in the city.