"Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya is not just a luxurious accommodation; it is also a historical landmark that tells the story of the Indonesian people's struggle for independence."
Sumber gambar: Airlangga Global Engagement
Established during the colonial era, this hotel witnessed significant events shaping Indonesia's journey toward freedom. Notably, it played a role in the events that led to the great battle in Surabaya on November 10, 1945, commemorated as Heroes' Day.
The Beginning of Hotel Majapahit
Sumber gambar: Birokrat Menulis
Originally established on June 1, 1910, by the Lucas Martin Sarkies brothers, the hotel officially opened in 1912 under the name Oranje Hotel. During the Japanese occupation in 1942, its name was changed to Yamato Hoteru. After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, it was renamed Hotel Merdeka, before finally becoming Hotel Majapahit in 1969, inspired by the great Majapahit Kingdom in the Surabaya region.
Historical Tragedy of September 19, 1945
Sumber gambar: Suara Surabaya
A heroic event occurred at the hotel on Jalan Tunjungan in Genteng District on September 19, 1945. On that day, a group of Dutch nationals raised the red, white, and blue flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands atop the hotel. Indonesian fighters, unwilling to accept this provocation, took action. With remarkable bravery, Hariyono and Kusno Wibowo climbed to the roof to remove the blue part of the flag, leaving the red and white as a symbol of independence.
However, this act sparked resistance. WVC Ploegman, the leader of the Dutch group, engaged in a violent confrontation with the Indonesian fighters inside the hotel. Ploegman was ultimately strangled to death by Sidik, a resident who had attempted to negotiate for the flag's peaceful removal. Tragically, Sidik was shot and killed by Dutch soldiers shortly thereafter. This incident ignited the major battle on November 10, 1945, which is now commemorated as Heroes' Day.
Name Changes and Historical Heritage
Hotel Majapahit has undergone five name changes throughout its history. Initially established as Oranje Hotel in 1910, it was renamed Hotel Yamato during the Japanese occupation, then became Hotel Merdeka after Indonesia's independence in 1945. In 1946, it was renamed L.M.S Hotel, honoring its founder, Lucas Martin Sarkies, before finally becoming Hotel Majapahit in 1969, the name it retains today.
Over the years, Hotel Majapahit has evolved into a five-star luxury establishment while preserving its classic design. The management is committed to maintaining the hotel's historical appearance to uphold its cultural significance. In recognition of its importance, the hotel has been designated a cultural heritage site, symbolizing the bravery of Surabaya's youth in the fight for Indonesia’s independence.
Hotel as Cultural Heritage and Memorial Site
Sumber gambar: TripAdvisor
In 2014, Hotel Majapahit was declared a National Cultural Heritage building by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The hotel features art nouveau and Art Deco architecture, with decor that invites guests to reflect on the past. The expansive garden on-site is often utilized for weddings, and a monument was erected in front of the hotel to commemorate the tearing of the Dutch flag, which has become a symbol of the struggle.
Theatrical Representation of Flag Tearing and Heroes' Day
Sumber gambar: RRI.co.id
Annually, the Surabaya City Government organizes a theatrical performance to commemorate the tearing down of the Dutch flag at the Yamato Hotel. This performance, involving hundreds of participants, seeks to honor the incident as the catalyst for the battle that sparked Heroes' Day on November 10, 1945.
Hotel Majapahit not only offers luxurious accommodations but also holds a timeless heroic narrative. This venue serves as a reminder of the courage of the heroes who fought for Indonesia's independence, making it an essential destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. Currently, visitors can stay at this five-star hotel on Jalan Tunjungan 65, Surabaya, with rates starting from IDR 948,000 per night, allowing them to experience the historical essence of the struggle for independence.
