45 Interesting Fun Facts About Surabaya Indonesia

(Last Updated On: April 16, 2021)

Surabaya is the capital of East Java and the second-largest city in the Republic of Indonesia. Surabaya is made up of a very diverse population and serves as a harbor for travel and trade. Let’s find out some interesting information about this unique city in Indonesia.

Surabaya, Indonesia

Rich in culture, nature, and history, there’s more to Surabaya, Indonesia than megamalls and office buildings. From the way, it earned the nickname City of Heroes to why it bought a particular point out within the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize final year, listed here are seven issues in regards to the thriving port city we wager you didn’t know.

1. Origin

The city was settled in the 10th century by the Kingdom of Janggala, one of many two Javanese kingdoms that were shaped in 1045 when Airlangga abdicated his throne in favor of his two sons. In the late 15th and 16th centuries, Surabaya, Indonesia grew to be a duchy, a significant political and navy energy in addition to a port in eastern Java, in all probability under the Majapahit empire.

2. Meaning

Surabaya from the Javanese “sura ing baya”, means “bravely facing danger”; initially from the union of Sanskrit phrases the “Surya” or solar and the “bhaya” or worry.

Surabaya, Indonesia alludes to a prophecy of Jayabaya [that means “conquering the fear”, from the Sanskrit phrases “Jaya” or “Vijaya” (victory or conqueror) and “bhaya” (worry)], a 12th-century psychic king of Kediri Kingdom, foreseeing a struggle between an enormous white shark and an enormous white crocodile happening within the space.

3. Kota Pahlawan

The city is named Kota Pahlawan (the city of heroes) because of the significance of the Battle of Surabaya in galvanizing Indonesian and worldwide help for Indonesian independence throughout the Indonesian National Revolution.

4. Surabaya luggage many awards

Surabaya, Indonesia wears its history on its streets, that are dotted with colonial Dutch structure like the long-lasting Maybank Building above.

Just as a result of the capital of East Java ranks behind Jakarta when it comes to inhabitants size doesn’t imply it’s a second-class city. In reality, it was voted top tourism city on the 2018 Yokatta Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Awards and likewise gained a Special Mention on the 2018 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.

The latter was in recognition of its city growth strategy, which has resulted in speedy economic growth whereas nonetheless selling a cleaner atmosphere — there are about 100 parks in Surabaya, Indonesia, and green areas make up more than 20 p.c of the city space.

5. Population

The city has a population of 2.89 million inside its city limits in 2019 and 9.5 million within the prolonged Surabaya, Indonesia metropolitan space, making it the second-largest metropolitan space in Indonesia.

6. The Battle of Surabaya, Indonesia

The Battle of Surabaya, one of many well-known battles of the Indonesian revolution, began after the Arek-Arek Suroboyo (Teenagers of Surabaya) assassinated the British Brigadier Mallaby on 30 October 1945, close to Jembatan Merah (the “Red Bridge”), allegedly with a stray bullet.

7. Independence

Japan occupied the city in 1942, as a part of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, and it was bombed by the Allies in 1944. After the give-up of Japan at the end of World War II, Surabaya was seized by Indonesian nationalists. The younger nation quickly got here into battle with the British, who had change into caretakers of the Dutch colony after the Japanese give up.

8. There’s a lot more to do than store

As a sprawling city metropolis, many visitors have related Surabaya, Indonesia to being a purchasing haven. Indeed, over 10 megamalls are scattered all through the city together with Pakuwon Mall, which is more than twice the size of Singapore’s ION Orchard.

But people typically overlook the truth that Surabaya can also be house to lovely colonial buildings, one among Indonesia’s largest Chinatowns and the idyllic seashores of Madura island.

9. It’s the gateway to Mt. Bromo

People typically assume Mt Bromo is in Surabaya, Indonesia as a result of it’s a must to fly into Juanda International Airport to get to Indonesia’s most well-known energetic volcano. In actuality, Mt Bromo is situated within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, and it takes about 4 hours to get there.

From Surabaya, travelers head in direction of the city of Probolinggo, then onwards to Cemoro Lawang, the city right next to the volcano. This is the place people keep in a single day before waking up within the wee hours of the morning to hike to that well-known dawn.

10. COVID 19 epicenter

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in East Java was in Surabaya, on 17 March 2020.[40] In May 2020, Surabaya grew to become the epicenter of the pandemic in Indonesia.

11. Beef is not the one factor on the menu

Okay, it’s true that numerous the native must-tries characteristic beef. There’s the cow foot soup referred to as lontong kikil, the meat lip salad that’s referred to as rujak cingur, the coconut-topped beef skewers referred to as sate klopo… you get the concept.

There are, nevertheless, tons of different specialties for non-beef eaters, such because the well-known tahu tek (fried tofu bathed in candy peanut sauce) and nasi bebek (spicy deep-fried duck rice).

12. The city performed a key position within the nation’s independence

On November 10, Indonesians have a good time on Heroes’ Day, which pays tribute to the fallen troopers of the Battle of Surabaya.

After the Japanese retreated in World War II, the Battle of Surabaya, Indonesia broke out, through which Indonesian troopers fought off overseas invaders. This has given the city its honorable nickname, the City of Heroes.

13. Religion

Around 80% of residents in Surabaya adhere to Sunni Islam.

14. You’ll discover the biggest submarine monument in Asia right here

The Cold War-era submarine isn’t only for show — for a small payment, you possibly can step inside and discover its claustrophobic hallways.

A decommissioned Russian warfare submarine is completely docked on the Surabaya, Indonesia port. It was a present from the Soviet authorities and was utilized in an operation to grab West Papua from Dutch control within the ’60s.

15. Indonesia’s third-largest city

The first reality you will know is Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta. It has a space of roughly 374.eight km2 (144.7 mil²) and has inhabitants of more than 3,123,914 inhabitants.

It is just not such a stunned since Surabaya is the capital city of the province of East Java. The main inhabitants of the Surabaya, Indonesia are the Javanese tribe, some are migrants from varied areas who stay settled, and a few others are nomads.

16. Used as essential navy protection for Indonesia.

Surabaya is the headquarters of Kodam V / Brawijaya which is the protection regional command for the Indonesian Army in East Java Province. Besides, it’s also the headquarters of the East Armada of the Navy based mostly in Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya.

East Armada of the Indonesian Navy oversees the eastern part of Indonesia. The headquarter of East Java Police can also be situated in Surabaya. (Read additionally: Indonesia Military Power)

17. Sharks and crocodiles

The name of the city Surabaya, Indonesia is a unique combination of two animals. The first part of the name is the word Suro which means shark and the second part comes from the word bio, which means crocodile. Both of these animals are now used to symbolize this city.

18. Game of Persia

The Persebia game is Indonesia’s Premier League football team. Its main fan club is called ‘Bonek’. If you are planning to watch a pressing game at sunrise, wearing a green dress is good.
Otherwise, Boneck is ready to taste the fan’s offensive side.

19. Economy

Since the early 1900s, Surabaya has been some of the vital and busiest buying and selling city ports in Asia. Principal exports from the port embody sugar, tobacco, and coffee.

20. The city of Indonesian Hero

Indonesians would generally point out Surabaya because of the ‘kota pahlawan’. Kota pahlawan means the city for Indonesian Heroes. Its history is extremely appreciated within the wrestle to grab and defend the independence of the Indonesian nation from the invaders.

There was additionally a really turbulent battle the place the people Surabaya that well-known as arek-arek Surabaya combating out that brought about many heroes had been killed. Up to now, Surabaya, Indonesia is often known as the city of heroes. (Read additionally: Surabaya War)

21. The place of the biggest zoo in Southern Asia

Surabaya Zoo is the biggest inside city zoo in Southeast Asia. Built on 31 August 1916 below the name Soerabaiasche Planten-en Dierentuin (Botanical Gardens and Animals Surabaya), it’s the results of the companies from a journalist named H.F.K. Kommer whose passion is gathering animals.

In the early days of its institution, this zoo even grew to become the satisfaction of Queen Wilhelmina. This space till now grew to become one of many icons of Surabaya, Indonesia.

22. Chinatown space is situated close to Arab space

Both locations have very completely different components. Chinatown space which is mostly populated by Chinese people is popular with the name of Kya Kya.

Along the road of Kya Kya established some stalls that promote quite a lot of Chinese delicacies, meals typical of Surabaya, Indonesia, and different meals. The phrase kya-kya is taken from one of many Chinese dialects which suggests taking a stroll.

It is a distinction to the Kampung Arab that’s situated not up to now with the Kya-kya. There you’ll really feel the ambiance of Middle Eastern fashion. This place grew to become a vacationer vacation spot that many vacationers go to, particularly throughout Ramadan.

Although these locations situated in close distance, however all this time, these two locations simply get alongside nicely. That’s as a result of Surabaya upholds the ingredient of cultural variety.

23. 290 passive parks and 71 energetic parks are right here

No surprise, not Surabaya typically gained environmental awards from the President. Surabaya is thought to as its shady and green ambiance in comparison with different cities. Some of the names of parks that it’s a must to know are Taman Bungkul, Flora Park, Park of Achievement, Apsari Park, Taman Pelangi.

And probably the most distinctive ever is the existence of Elderly Park in Surabaya, Indonesia. This park is functioned instead park for the aged of Surabaya. Space which has roughly 2000 m2 width arrange into a fantastic backyard. It seems to be so beautiful with the number of lovely vegetation and flowers.

24. Business

Surabaya is the second-largest port city in Indonesia after Jakarta. As a buying and selling heart, Surabaya is just not solely a commerce heart for East Java, but additionally facilitates areas in Central Java, Kalimantan, and Eastern Indonesia.

25. You can go to 33 malls without delay in this city

This city has a minimum of 33 malls that unfold to all the realm of Surabaya, Indonesia . No surprise if Surabaya city additionally becomes the central economy in Indonesia. You can depend by your self what number of cafés, eating places, lodges, the leisure space that established. Therefore whereas visiting Surabaya you don’t need to fret to search for the place to hang around.

26. One of the Best Parks on this planet may be discovered right here

Taman Bungkul is a fantastic park situated within the heart of Surabaya. This park was awarded as one of the optimum parks based on the United Nations. This park is worthy of the award as a result of it has social operate, culture, recreation, and education.

In addition, the park can also be outfitted with the various techniques of help, corresponding to jogging observe, children’s playground, wi-fi Internet entry, amphitheater, and skateboarding environment. Coming to this place would by no means be bored since there could be many activities to do.

27. The city with the very best management

Surabaya gained the Socrates Awards within the class of City of The Future in April 2014. The award, initiated by European Business Assembly, considers Surabaya has excellent city management. The people accepted the award very nicely. Then Socrates Cup was paraded across the city of Surabaya. Ms. Risma because the mayor of Surabaya introduced the trophy proudly in her personal fingers.

28. Even some villages in Surabaya additionally bought some awards

Japan Housing Associations-IYSH Matsushita Award (1988), UNEP Award (1990), UNCED Local Government Program (1992), and The World Habitat Award (1992) are a collection of worldwide awards for villages in Surabaya. This proves that cities and villages may be constructed harmoniously with no gaps. Thus, Surabaya, Indonesia is usually a modern city, however, maintains its culture.

29. Some public figures come from this city

Many vital figures come from East Java. This city doesn’t stop born the main era with a myriad of achievements. They come from varied professions, corresponding to students, politicians, athletes to celebrities.

Some of the well-known religious determine are Hasyim Muzadi, Mustofa Bisri, and Ahmad Sahal. The celebrities are Ahmad Dhani, Joshua, and the outstanding Dangdut singer, Inul Daratista. And for the legendary artists are Sudjiwo Tejo and Didi Petet. All of them had been born and spent their childhood in Surabaya.

30. The city of Rujak Cingur

Rujak Cingur is a particular meal from East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia specifically. The essential attribute is the presence of cingur, cingur is cow nasal cartilage. It is among the necessary meals to style for everybody who goes to Surabaya. Although rujak cingur might simply present in all space of East Java, however, you must eat this sort of meal in its unique city.

31. Luduk

Surabaya, Indonesia has an artwork kind referred to as Ludruk, a type of stand-up comedy, solely the complete script is sung spontaneously without preparation of the melody and even the script.

32. Thickest accents

Surabaya, Indonesia has the thickest accents in comparison with every other Javanese. Wherever they go, a Surabaya native is at all times acknowledged resulting from their thick accent.

33. Bizarre meals

There are a number of weird meals in Surabaya: rujak cingur (boiled cow nostril in particular spicy shrimp paste sauce), gut satay (grilled rooster intestines with spicy seasoning), kikil (cow leg, served with scrumptious spicy soup), and lots of more. Surabaya additionally has so many sorts of scrumptious snacks you must strive!

34. Tugu Pahlawan

Surabaya has a Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) that’s just like the Washington Monument in America. The Tugu Pahlawan was constructed to commemorate the heroes who fought in Surabaya. Surabaya’s history exhibits that the people of Surabaya, Indonesia had the braveness and unity to struggle the enemy despite the fact that they used easy weapons: bamboo sticks that had a sharpened edge.

35. Cleanest city

Surabaya, Indonesia is the cleanest city in Indonesia with many parks unfold all through the place.

36. Flower Market

A real treat with the eyes is the Surabaya Bratang flower market. Considering the variety of plants in Indonesia, the Bratang flower market offers a spectacular spot. Be sure to bring your camera.

37. Use caution when traveling

Take care of your belongings while traveling around Surabaya, Indonesia because the crime rate in this city is high. People are advised to be careful when walking at night.

38. Largest bridge

Surabaya, Indonesia boasts of Indonesia’s largest bridge. It connects Java and Madura and is named Suramadu Bridge. The view right here is so lovely at night.

39. City of Heroes

Surabaya, Indonesia is also known as Kota Pahlawan. Kota Pahlawan means the city of heroes. The nickname was given for the reason that the Surabaya War was fought here. This war brought international support to Indonesia during the Indonesian National Revolution to fight for their independence.
It is now celebrated as Heroes Day on November 10 and is a national holiday.

40. Today’s menu: Beef nose salad

Believe it or not, beef nose salad is local food! It is called Ruzak Singur. This dish is made with a large amount of sauce and pork with the cooked and sliced cut nose.

41. Dolly

Dolly is the name of the famous Red-Light District in Surabaya, Indonesia. It is a 5 meter and a half meter long lane which, like any lane during the day, changes the atmosphere as night falls. It closed in 2014.

42. Excessive air pollution

Due to the large population of the city, Surabaya suffers from air pollution, especially during peak traffic. So, a face mask is a must for walking around the city during rush hour.

43. Children in Surabaya, Indonesia

Children in Surabaya, Indonesia have eaten spicy meals since their toddlers. This is simply because spicy meals are part of the culture right here.

44. Monuments constructed from unused submarines

In Surabaya, Indonesia, there are monuments constructed from unused submarines, referred to as Monkasel. This monument is utilized by children to find out about submarines and the way it feels to be in them.

45. Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument

Surabaya, Indonesia has the Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument. It’s a statue of troopers who’re wanting in direction of the ocean. The height of this monument is around 30 meters and it stands on a building that can also be about 30 meters high. This monument stands in an area close to the ocean, so it additionally features a lighthouse.