The Earth of the Proclamator, which is synonymous with the city of Blitar, is not just a nickname.
Not because it is the birthplace of the Proclaimer of Indonesian Independence, Soekarno, but Blitar is the place where the heroic struggles of our nation's heroes are immortalised.
It is here, among the quiet streets and historic buildings, that we can feel the spirit of the struggle still burning.
A spirit that has been passed down from generation to generation through stories and monuments that stand tall.
A monument can be defined as a building created to store and perpetuate the memory of events or figures that made history.
As markers of time, monuments are not just static objects, but evidence of the courage, determination and spirit of struggle of heroes from one era to the next.
Here are 3 historical monuments that are iconic to the historical events that took place in Blitar.
- PETA Monument
PETA monument, located on Jl. Sudanco Supriyadi, Bendogerit, Sananwetan sub-district, Blitar city.
This monument was built to commemorate the struggle of the PETA Army in Blitar, specifically involving Shodanco Supriyadi and six other soldiers against the Japanese army.
The monument was inaugurated on 14 February 2008, coinciding with the anniversary of the PETA rebellion in Blitar.
The PETA monument also symbolises the courage and determination of the fighters in facing the invaders.
- Monument Statue of the Son of the Dawn
The Putra Sang Fajar Statue Monument, located at the junction of Jalan Supriyadi Blitar, directly across from Herlingga Hotel.
This statue monument is an offering to commemorate the services of the Indonesian Proclamator, Soekarno.
The statue was created by an artist from Yogyakarta and unveiled by Bung Karno's daughter, Megawati Soekarno Puteri.
One of the interesting facts about this statue is that it faces east, in keeping with Bung Karno's nickname as the Son of the Dawn.
- Potlot Monument
The Potlot monument, located in Bendogerit, Sananwetan Subdistrict, stands proud as centre of interest Raden Wijaya Heroes Cemetery (TMP), Blitar.
This monument was built as a reminder of the history of the Red and White Flag that first flew in Blitar City.
On 14 February 1945, an officer of the Japanese military formation PETA, Sudancho Parto Hardjono, dared to raise the Red and White Flag on the flagpole in front of the PETA Daidan Blitar headquarters.
Later, this monument was inaugurated in 1946 by General Sudirman.
Besides monuments, we can also experience and appreciate history by visiting museums such as Noegroho Museum at De Karanganjar Koffieplantage.
This place is home to a variety of historical artefacts, ranging from ancestral heirlooms to typical Blitar batik that is full of historical significance.
By doing so, we can better understand and appreciate our cultural heritage, and ensure that these stories live on for generations to come.