The Deputy Mayor of Surabaya has delivered a formal written apology to the Madura Asli Sedarah (Madas) community organization in a statement signed in January 2026.

The letter, titled “Statement of Apology and…”, has been widely circulated and signals the end of a polemic that arose concerning the demolition of an elderly woman’s house.

However, this step by Armuji has been viewed by community elements as a political ethical misstep. It is even considered to have dragged the dignity, honor, and prestige of the City of Heroes into negative public scrutiny.

The action by Armuji is seen as setting a bad precedent and weakening the authority of leadership in Surabaya.

“This is not a trivial matter. This is about the dignity of Surabaya and the pride of its people. This incident is embarrassing and tarnishes the great name of the City of Heroes,” was stated.

It was added that this polemic has instead opened a new chapter of social unrest in Surabaya. The post-incident conditions are said to potentially trigger dynamics of resistance in society as public feelings of offense increase.

In response, a number of community figures have initiated the “Surabaya Youth Readiness WANI” gathering. This gathering serves as a movement rejecting thuggery and the re-emerging narrative of ethnic-based division in the public sphere.

“The readiness gathering will be held in front of the City Hall. This is a symbol of resistance and will involve a large number of people,” was stated.

Meanwhile, Armuji emphasized his commitment to opening space for constructive communication and coordination with Madas. According to him, healthy dialogue is key to maintaining social harmony, especially for the residents of Surabaya and the Madurese community.

“Both parties have agreed to maintain conducive conditions, public order, and harmonious social relations,” stated Armuji, confirming the contents of the peace agreement.

Purbaya on Widening State Budget Deficit: I Could Make It 0 Percent, but the Economy Would Be in Shambles

Dr. Soetomo University (Unitomo)

Surabaya

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, located on East Java. Historically, it is renowned as the “City of Heroes” for its pivotal role in the fierce 1945 Battle of Surabaya, a defining conflict in Indonesia’s struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Today, it is a major industrial, commercial, and port city, with landmarks like the Heroes Monument commemorating its significant past.

City of Heroes

The “City of Heroes” typically refers to **Volgograd, Russia**, a city historically known as Stalingrad. It earned this title for the immense sacrifice and heroic resistance of its defenders during the pivotal **Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943)** in World War II, which marked a major turning point against Nazi Germany. Today, it is a major memorial city, home to the immense **”The Motherland Calls”** statue and other monuments commemorating the battle.

City Hall

City Hall is the administrative headquarters of a city’s government, typically housing the offices of the mayor and city council. Historically, such buildings became prominent in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance as symbols of civic pride and municipal authority, especially in European and later North American cities. Their architectural styles often reflect the era and values of their construction, serving as central landmarks for civic life.

Madura Asli Sedarah (Madas)

“Madura Asli Sedarah (Madas)” is a cultural organization or community group dedicated to preserving and promoting the indigenous traditions, arts, and social bonds of the Madurese people from Madura Island, Indonesia. While specific founding details are not widely documented, such groups typically form to strengthen cultural identity and kinship (*sedarah* meaning “related by blood”) among members, often through events, language, and customary practices in response to modernization.

Madas Central Executive Board

Based on available information, “Madas Central Executive Board” does not refer to a widely recognized public place, cultural site, or historical landmark. It appears to be an internal administrative body, likely for an organization or association named “Madas.” Without specific context about the parent organization (e.g., its location, purpose, or history), a meaningful summary of the “Board” as a cultural or historical site cannot be provided.

Surabaya Youth Readiness WANI

“Surabaya Youth Readiness WANI” is a youth-focused initiative in Surabaya, Indonesia, designed to equip young people with practical skills and character development for the modern workforce. While its specific founding date isn’t widely documented, it is part of a broader movement in the city, historically known for its resilient and revolutionary “arek Suroboyo” youth spirit, to foster proactive and competitive future generations. The program typically involves training in areas like leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.