14 Facts About Sutomo

Sutomo, known as Bung Tomo, was an Indonesian revolutionary and military leader best known for his role in the Indonesian National Revolution against Dutch colonial rule.

Sutomo played a central role in Battle of Surabaya, which was fought between British and Indonesian forces from October to November 1945.

Sutomo was born in Kampung Blauran in the centre of Surabaya to a clerk father, Kartawan Tjiptowidjojo, and mother, Subastia, of mixed Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese descent.

Sutomo had received Dutch secondary education before the Japanese occupation.

Sutomo became famous for setting up, which promoted unity and fighting spirit among.

On 12 October 1945, Sutomo founded and become a leader of Indonesian People's Revolutionary Front, abbreviated as BPRI, is an Indonesian militia, with its headquarters in Surabaya.

Sutomo played a central role when the battle broke out in Surabaya between Indonesian nationalists and British forces.

Sutomo spurred thousands of Indonesians to action with his distinctive, emotional speaking-style of his radio broadcasts.

Sutomo's "clear, burning eyes, that penetrating, slightly nasal voice, or that hair-raising oratorical style that second only to Sukarno's in its emotional power".

In 1955, Sutomo become a minister of state in the Burhanuddin Harahap Cabinet between August 1955 and March 1956, an appointment which pleased cabinet supporters because of his nationalist credentials.

On 11 April 1978, he was detained by the government for his outspoken criticism of corruption and abuses of power; upon his release three years later Sutomo continued to loudly voice his criticisms.

Sutomo said that he did not want to be buried in the Heroes' Cemetery because it was full of "fairweather heroes" who had lacked the courage to defend the nation at times of crisis, but when peace came appeared in public to glorify their achievements.

On 9 June 1947, Sutomo married Sulistina in Malang, East Java.

Sutomo was known as a devoutly religious father of four who took religious knowledge seriously throughout his life.