Surabaya was once shrouded in chaos when a protest occurred in front of the Grahadi State Building. The crowd threw stones, Molotov cocktails, and firecrackers toward the historic building. The fire grew on the western side and nearly consumed the main structure.

The situation, initially under control, suddenly turned tense. H. Dipura, Chief of Staff of Korem 084/Bhaskara Jaya, recalled the critical moments clearly. He received direct orders from Pangdam V/Brawijaya to immediately handle the fire.

“Put it out immediately,” came the firm command over the phone upon hearing reports that Grahadi had begun to burn.

TNI troops quickly moved to clear a path for Surabaya Fire Department vehicles. However, the effort was not easy. The crowd attempted to block them, with some even lying on the asphalt to prevent fire trucks from entering.

Thanks to TNI’s Humanist Approach and Joint Synergy

Despite this, thanks to persuasive and non-violent approaches, the route was eventually opened. Four fire trucks with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 liters successfully reached the fire.

“If we had been just five minutes late, Grahadi would have been lost. Fortunately, TNI and students helped,” said the Deputy Head of Surabaya Fire Department.

Grahadi State Building

The Grahadi State Building is the official government building of the East Java provincial administration in Surabaya, Indonesia. Originally constructed in the late 18th century during the Dutch colonial era, it served as the residence for Dutch officials. Today, it remains a significant historical landmark and a center for governmental affairs.