About this book:

Surabaya, Indonesia’s vibrant second city, boasts a history as dramatic and dynamic as its bustling port. This book delves deep into over a millennium of Surabaya's past, tracing its evolution from an ancient settlement in the fertile Brantas River delta through the rise and fall of powerful Javanese kingdoms like Majapahit, its transformation into a powerful independent sultanate, and its pivotal role under Dutch colonial rule. Explore how its strategic location at the confluence of river and sea shaped its destiny as a vital trading hub, attracting diverse communities of Javanese, Chinese, Arab, and European merchants whose interactions forged the city's enduring multicultural identity.

Discover the fascinating origins of Surabaya's name, often linked to a legendary battle between a shark and a crocodile, and its historical connection to Raden Wijaya's strategic victory over Mongol invaders in 1293, which paved the way for the mighty Majapahit Empire. Witness the city's growth into a commercial and industrial powerhouse under Dutch administration, complete with the development of its modern port at Tanjung Perak. Crucially, understand how Surabaya's deep-seated political militancy and revolutionary spirit culminated in its legendary stand during the 1945 Battle of Surabaya, earning it the indelible title "Kota Pahlawan"—the City of Heroes—a defining moment in Indonesia's fight for independence.

Finally, journey through Surabaya’s postwar recovery and its emergence as a thriving modern metropolis. This comprehensive history weaves together political events, economic development, urban growth, and social change to illuminate Surabaya's singular path, from a humble port settlement to a resilient city that stands as a symbol of Indonesian courage and a crucial economic and cultural center in Southeast Asia today.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore Surabaya's ancient origins as a crucial river delta settlement, including the port of Hujung Galuh and its role in early Javanese kingdoms.
• Discover the pivotal events of 1293, including the victory against Mongol invaders that gave the city its name and symbolic identity.
• Trace Surabaya's development as a major maritime trading hub and a powerful, independent sultanate in the pre-colonial era.
• Understand the city's significant transformation under Dutch colonial rule, becoming a key administrative, commercial, and military center in the East Indies.
• Learn about Surabaya's central role and heroic resistance in the Indonesian Revolution, earning it the enduring title 'City of Heroes'.

Who's It For:

This book is intended for anyone interested in the layered history of Indonesia, focusing on the evolution of its second-largest city. It will appeal to students and enthusiasts of Southeast Asian history, urban studies, and the Indonesian Revolution, tracing Surabaya's journey from ancient port to a major colonial hub and the "City of Heroes." Readers seeking to understand the interplay of trade, politics, and culture that shaped Java's northern coast will find a detailed and engaging account.