Every year on Nov. 10, people of Indonesia celebrate National Heroes Day. Today it is less solemn and more festive day. People may have forgotten the chain of events collectively known as the Battle of Surabaya in 1945, but heroes continue to appear on life’s stage today. 

Most people who have been enshrined in various pantheons are indeed worthy of the greatest respect, since one’s willingness to sacrifice one’s life for one’s country, race, deity, or other institution is testament to a great human quality, whatever the cynics may say. 

Hero cults are carefully manipulated and maintained by manifold political and social forces. In Indonesia, for example, heroes have been limited to those officially recognized by the state, although not all of them deserved such a high honor. 

The questions now are who are the real heroes in Indonesia? Whose names are Indonesian children supposed to know and which great deeds brought them to fame?  We have past great heroes like Bung Tomo, Mohammad Natsir, Mohammad Hamka, Ignatius Slamet Riyadi, Yos Sudarso and many others. How about now? At the moment, I think the late poet and playwright W.S. Rendra and scientist Yohanes Surya, to mention just two, suit the tag of hero due to their extraordinary work. 


We may seek and look over the lists of people regarded as heroes due to their great contributions to this country, such as national singers, Olympic gold medalists, actors in Indonesian movies, and many others. 

They have something in common, that is to say, ordinary people who lived an extraordinary life. They possess virtues, such as courage, that are obtainable by all who are willing to work for them and struggle for goals that all right-thinking men and women desire: peace, prosperity and justice. 

Though the ruling authority may not agree with everything that heroes did and the means they utilized to pursue their goals, it cannot be denied that they gave all they had in an effort to do what they thought was right and that their grievances were real. 

Too often, national heroes do not get the respect and recognition they deserve, but it is also good to be reminded that there are other heroes who also deserve our respect and honor. When we get to know our heroes, we will be infected by their courage and enthusiasm.