Surabaya

The city of Surabaya in Indonesia has a significant founding date on May 31, 1293. This date is traditionally celebrated as the day Surabaya was established. It is associated with a historical battle in which Raden Wijaya's Majapahit Kingdom defeated the Mongol forces sent by the Yuan dynasty in the area, marking the beginning of Surabaya's prominence in the region.

By the mid-15th century, Surabaya had developed into a significant trading port in the region due to its strategic location. The port became an important stop on the trade routes for goods such as spices, ceramics, and textiles. European explorers and traders, including the Portuguese and later the Dutch, began to visit and establish contacts in Surabaya. This period marked the start of European influence and presence in the region, which later expanded throughout the archipelago.

Surabaya came under direct Dutch colonial control after the Java War (1825–1830) ended in 1830. This marked a period of significant administrative and infrastructural development in the city under the Dutch East Indies administration. The city grew into one of the most important cities in the Dutch East Indies, serving as a major hub for commerce, industry, and government during the colonial period.

At the turn of the 20th century, Surabaya underwent significant urban development. The Dutch colonial government implemented new city planning efforts that expanded the infrastructure and services available; this included the construction of roads, public transportation systems, and public facilities like schools and hospitals, aiding the transition of Surabaya into a modern city and solidifying its role as an economic and administrative center during the colonial era.

Surabaya hosted the Koloniale Tentoonstelling in 1913, celebrating 100 years of Dutch colonial rule. This event served as a major exhibition showcasing the economic and cultural achievements of the Dutch colonial territories. Surabaya was chosen for its status as a major port city in the East Indies, and the exhibition drew international attention and participants from across the world, highlighting developments and innovations from the region.

On March 8, 1942, during World War II, Japanese forces occupied Surabaya as part of their larger invasion of the Dutch East Indies. The occupation lasted until the end of the war in 1945. This period was marked by significant changes in the administration and economy, and considerable hardship for the population due to wartime conditions and Japanese military policies, laying foundations for the subsequent independence movement in Indonesia.

The Battle of Surabaya was a pivotal confrontation during the Indonesian National Revolution. Beginning on November 10, 1945, the battle was fought between pro-independence Indonesian soldiers and militia against British and Dutch forces. This event is especially important in Indonesian history as it marked a strong resistance against returning colonial forces and led to significant international attention, although ending in a military British victory. November 10 is commemorated as Heroes' Day (Hari Pahlawan) in Indonesia.

The Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSX) was formally opened on July 21, 1990. It served as an alternative trading floor in Indonesia, complementing the Jakarta Stock Exchange. The establishment of the SSX was part of efforts to decentralize economic activity and boost regional economic growth. It became a significant step in further integrating Surabaya into Indonesia's financial system until the merger into the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2007.

In August 1995, Surabaya Zoo underwent a major renovation project to improve its facilities and animal enclosures. Established in 1916, Surabaya Zoo is one of the oldest and once the largest zoos in Southeast Asia. The renovation project included the construction of new exhibits and an educational center aimed at promoting conservation efforts and enhancing the visitor experience, making it a major tourist attraction in the city.

The construction of the Suramadu Bridge, which connects Surabaya and the island of Madura, began on February 8, 2002. This ambitious infrastructure project aimed to enhance connectivity and foster economic development in the region. Stretching over 5 kilometers, the bridge was intended to reduce congestion in Surabaya and ease transportation of goods and people between Java and Madura, reflecting Surabaya's role as a critical economic gateway.

On June 10, 2009, the Suramadu Bridge was officially opened. As the longest bridge in Indonesia at over 5,000 meters, it serves as a major transportation link between the island of Java, where Surabaya is located, and Madura. This significant infrastructure development has had a profound impact on the local economy, facilitating trade and travel, and contributing to Surabaya's status as an economic powerhouse within Indonesia.