Indonesia has many national heroes. One of them is Wage Rudolf Supratman or famous as W.R. Supratman. He is Indonesia Raya’s songwriter. His grave is at Jalan Kenjeran, Rangkah, Tambaksari, Surabaya.

As people who born and live in Surabaya, I never had a chance to go his grave. However, my daughter’s school has a field trip to this grave because of Hero Day at 10 November last year. The purpose is to introduce the children about W.R. Soepratman. Besides, remembering the services of the heroes who have fallen before us.

It was my first time to come at hero’s grave. It was big area and full of white marmer. There is a big statue of W.R. Supratman, wear a suit with tie, kopiah (Moslem hat) and play violin. He was identic with violin. Therefore, in the grave there is a violin form for sprinkle the flower from visitors.

Actually, he was just not a songwriter, but also teacher, journalist, and book writer. Besides Indonesia Raya, he was also written other songs like Indonesia Iboekoe, Bendera Kita Merah Poetih, Matahari Terbit. Books was written by W.R. Supratman were Perawan Desa, Darah Moeda, and Kaoem Panatik.

W.R. Supratman died at 17 August 1938 at young age, 35 years old. In fact, he was buried in the public cemetery in front of his present grave.

However, around 1960, at the request of the family and government, the deceased was moved to the front of the Rangkah grave. At that time, this happened to be empty land, so it could be used as W.R. Supratman's personal grave.

Unfortunately, not many people visit this grave. Only at special moments like Independence Day, Hero Day, or other national days. Whereas, W.R. Supratman is a big hero for Indonesia. His services should be respected and remembered now and then.

If you come at Surabaya, don’t forget to visit W.R. Supratman’s grave.