Battle of Surabaya

The narrative unfolds in the waning days of World War II and the immediate aftermath. It opens with the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri, then moves to Sukarno’s proclamation of independence and the British and Indian forces’ arrival to restore order in Java. The period is defined by upheaval, shifting loyalties, and the birth pangs of a nation.

Surabaya is a bustling port city on the island of Java, depicted as a crossroads of occupation, resistance, and everyday life. The film follows its streets and docks as wartime powers shift and violence erupts, transforming ordinary routines into precarious acts of survival. It stands as a focal point for the Indonesian independence movement, where people confront heavy costs in pursuit of freedom.

🔥 War

War intrudes on everyday life and tests the limits of courage. Young characters must make dangerous choices that balance personal risk with the larger cause. The clashes among Indonesian nationalists, KNIL, and occupying forces reveal how violence penetrates intimate moments and relationships. Courage, sacrifice, and resilience emerge as central responses to conflict.

🤝 Loyalty

Loyalty is tested across friendships, factions, and evolving allegiances. The bond between Musa and Danu shapes the resistance, while Musa’s dedication to the courier mission anchors the narrative. Yumna’s trust and collaborations reveal how loyalty can cross ethnic and ideological divides in a struggle for freedom.

🏳️ Independence

Independence is framed as a hard-won, collective pursuit rather than a simple proclamation. Secret networks, couriers, and militias illustrate the practical efforts behind nation-building. The story weighs the costs of self-rule—sacrifice, unity, and the toll of years of conflict—while hinting at a hopeful, peaceful future.