Surabaya Inferno

Surabaya Inferno is a real-time strategy game set during the Indonesian Revolution in Surabaya, the centre of Indonesian resistance, from September to December 1945. You command Indonesian forces through the struggle against the Imperial Japanese Army and the Allies, following events based on historical research and primary sources. The story covers both the fight against imperialist forces and what the game describes as the revolution’s “dark side.”

Campaign stories

The campaign follows three arcs:

• Consolidation: From 26 September to 3 October 1945, Surabayans, also known as Arek-Arek Suroboyo, seize Japanese headquarters to obtain weapons for the defence of independence.
• Fighting Cock: On 28 October 1945, after British and Indian troops land and establish strategic posts, a large number of Surabayans attack those posts in response to the demand that they disarm.
• Inferno: On 10 November 1945, Surabayans and the government reject an Allied ultimatum to disarm and surrender, following the killing of Brigadier Mallaby by an Indonesian. Allied forces attack from land, sea and air as large numbers of Surabayans defend the city for as long as possible.

You explore 64 bases based on real locations in Surabaya and witness historical events from the city’s revolution. The fighting includes mobilising people with ill-equipped weapons against the Allies’ superior forces, in a battle the game describes as seemingly impossible to win.

Units and morale

You control different unit types and experience the fighting through them. Morale is an important part of combat, and you must manage Indonesian morale during the fighting.

Indonesian forces include TKR/BKR soldiers, including police; local Surabayan militia and civilians; Hizbullah; and Santri. TKR units fight better than the other units. Surabayan militia have large numbers and fight reasonably well, using traditional weapons and guns taken from Japanese arsenals. Hizbullah has abilities similar to TKR and strong spirit, while Santri are weakly armed but can carry wounded soldiers to the nearest hospital.

Vehicles and other units include the Japanese light Tank Go-95, used by youths and militia after they seize tanks from Japanese arsenals; Bofors anti-aircraft guns, which appear only in the Inferno arc; and Japanese troops, who are weakened after World War II and become targets for Indonesian revenge or attempts to obtain weapons. British and Indian troops have fought in North Africa and Burma and are now serving in Java before returning home. British forces also use the powerful Sherman medium tank and the lighter Struat tank, both used to defend their companies against Indonesian militia attacks.

Music

Battle music composed by Indonesian film composer Raden Agung accompanies the fighting and reflects the spirit of the Indonesian Revolution in Surabaya.