EXACTLY 32 years after the battle of November 10, 1945, Surabaya was once again in an uproar. This time, the youth weren't opposing the presence of the Allies, but rejecting Suharto’s reelection as president.
On November 10, 1977, a crowd of about 3,000 people staged a demonstration in Surabaya, which is known for its moniker the City of Heroes. They weren't only disillusioned by rampant corruption and a flawed democracy; they also opposed Suharto’s reappointment as president. At that time, the president was elected by the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) during the MPR General Session, held every five years in Senayan, Jakarta.
It wasn't the first or second time that the MPR building in Senayan had been visited by students opposing Suharto’s return to the presidency. Among the demonstrators, Chalimi and his friends from various universities were received by Adam Malik, Chairman of the DPR/MPR RI Council.
Ingin membaca lebih lanjut?
Langgani historia.id untuk terus membaca postingan eksklusif ini.
