BUNG TOMO BIOGRAPHY

Bung Tomo was born on 3 October 1920 in Surabaya-East Java. Indonesians know him better
by the nickname Bung Tomo even though he has the full name Sutomo. He is well know in
the history of the sturuggle to defend Indonesia’s independence when Indonesia wast just
independent against the colonialist NICA army. Especially the battle that took place on 10
November, 1945. Even today, this date is celebrated as Heroes’ Day.

Bung Tomo was born in Blauran village-Surabaya. He was born to a father named Kartawan
Tjiptowidjojo. His father belonged to do middle class. Has worked has a government
employee, private company, and Dutch export-import company. While his mother descended
from Central Java, Sundanese and Madura.

Bung Tomo's family really appreciates education. So that his manner is very straightforward
and passionate. But at the age of 12, Bung Tomo was forced to leave his education at MULO.
Then also with HBS education, he finished by correspondence, although not officially
completed.

Bung Tomo shared that he got his nationalist feeling first from his family, especially from his
grandfather. Then he got it from his education in Indonesian Scouting. At the age of 17, he
was awarded the Garuda Pandu rank. A very valuable rank because it meant Bung Tomo
became the second person in the Dutch East Indies.
This very important event took place in October and November 1945. At that time Surabaya
was being severely battered by the NICA army. Through radio, Bung Tomo awakened the
spirit of the people of Surabaya. He ignited the spirit of Surabaya youth with his emotional
tone. Although in the end the people of Surabaya did not win against the NICA army. But
still, until now the people of Surabaya and Indonesia remember this incident.

Bung Tomo's role then continued after the independence struggle was proclaimed. In the
1950s Bung Tomo entered the world of politics and then he was also the Minister of State for
Former Armed Warriors / Veterans and at the same time served as Minister of Social Affairs
Ad Interim between 1955-1956. After that his role in the government was continued by
becoming a Member of the People's Representative Council (DPR) in 1956-1959 which was
carried out by the Indonesian People's Party.
It turned out that in the course of Bung Tomo's life, he had been in prison due to
disagreements with the Soeharto government. On 11 April 1978 he was in prison even though
a year later he was released again.

Bung Tomo is a person who is pious and obedient to the Islamic religion. He died while
carrying out the pilgrimage in Padang Arafah on October 7, 1978. Bung Tomo was buried at
the Public Cemetery in Ngagel Surabaya.

Bung Tomo is a person who has a strong leadership spirit, he can raise the people of
Surabaya to be enthusiastic about fighting the invaders. Bung Tomo also really appreciates
education, he always speaks passionately and is always straightforward. He is a hard worker
to improve his condition