MY TRAVEL INFO: 1989-1991 : SURABAYA, INDONESIA

The images provided show historical views of the area around the Port of Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, Indonesia, featuring the Gapura Nusantara building and the Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument.

PELABUHAN TANJUNG PERAK, SURABAYA

Gapura Nusantara building at Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak as it appeared between 1989 and 1991. An inter-island terminal and a passenger ferry terminal were established at the port in 1983. The current passenger terminal is known as the modern Gapura Surya Nusantara terminal, which was opened in 2014.

The Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument (Monjaya), which is an iconic statue of an Indonesian Navy officer located near the port and naval base in Surabaya. The monument, which stands at a total height of 60 meters (including the building base), was inaugurated by President Suharto on December 5, 1996, after construction began in 1990. It serves as a symbol of the Indonesian Navy's maritime strength and Indonesia's identity as an archipelagic nation.

PASAR TURI

These images capture a significant era for Pasar Turi Baru in Surabaya, Indonesia. Based on the signs in your photos and historical records, these scenes date back to the late 1980s (specifically 1989, as you noted) and 1990.

The Historical Context

The building shown  was the "new" version of the market constructed after a massive fire in 1978. It was a cornerstone of East Java’s economy, known as the largest wholesale center in Eastern Indonesia.

The Building: The brown facade with the gold lettering "PASAR TURI BARU - Pusat Perbelanjaan Serba Ada" (Everything Mall) was a point of pride for the city of Surabaya at the time.

The Atmosphere: You can see the classic 1980s transport of Surabaya—the "bemo" (mini vans) and early model sedans—parked in front of the iconic wide staircase.

A classic hand-carved wooden mirror, which was a very popular souvenir or household item from that period. The text "Kenangan dari Surabaya Tahun 1990" (Memories of Surabaya Year 1990) indicates this was a cherished memento from a trip to the market.

KOMPLEKS TUNJUNGAN

It’s fascinating to see these two images side by side. They perfectly capture the evolution of Tunjungan Plaza (TP), a landmark that isn't just a mall but a symbol of Surabaya’s growth from the late 20th century into a modern metropolis.

Kompleks Tunjungan Plaza

The 1989 Glimpse: A Modern Pioneer

The photo takes us back to 1989, just three years after Tunjungan Plaza I first opened its doors on December 15, 1986.

• The Vibe: Notice the aesthetic of the era—the fluorescent-lit signage, the specific font styles, and the fashion of the people.
• The Context: In 1989, TP was the cutting-edge "place to be" in East Java. It was the first modern, air-conditioned shopping center in Surabaya, marking a shift from traditional street-side shops like Siola or Toko Nam to a centralized "shopping mall" experience.
• Details: The archway mentions "Jl. Kapaskrampung Surabaya" and a phone number (45454), likely pointing to a specific tenant or branch within the plaza.

The Modern Era: A Massive Superblock

The photo shows the complex as it stands today—a sprawling Superblock.

• Scale: What started as a single building (TP 1) has expanded into six interconnected buildings (TP 1 to TP 6).
• Anchor Tenants: You can clearly see the SOGO department store, which became a major anchor for the expansion phases.
• Architecture: The design has evolved from the simple 80s structures to high-rise glass towers housing international hotels (Sheraton, Four Points) and luxury condominiums.

KANTOR POS & GIRO, SURABAYA

This image captures a nostalgic moment from 1990 at the Surabaya Post and Giro Office (Kantor Pos dan Giro) in East Java, Indonesia.

The building shown is a significant historical landmark located at Jl. Kebonrojo No. 10. Historically, this site is famous for being the location of the Hoogere Burgerschool (HBS), where Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, studied during the Dutch colonial era.

Key Details from the Photo:

• The Signage: The black signboard clearly displays the name "KANTOR POS DAN GIRO SURABAYA" and includes the full address and postal code (60175).
• The Vehicle: In the foreground, you can see the hood of a dark sedan, reflecting the signage above—a classic aesthetic of 1990s street photography.
• Architecture: The building features the sturdy, high-ceiling colonial architecture typical of Indonesian government offices built in the early 20th century.

Today, this building remains one of Surabaya's most well-preserved heritage sites and continues to serve as a major postal hub, often referred to as Kantor Pos Besar Kebonrojo.

A wonderful and nostalgic set of photos, The same woman I met over a period of 2 years. It’s rare to have such a clear "then and now" comparison from that era, especially one that captures a chance encounter years apart.

These images tell a beautiful story of time passing at Tanjung Perak Port. Looking at the two photos, you can see a significant transformation in just two years:

• 1989: The girl has a very youthful, natural look, wearing a classic striped shirt that was very common in the late 80s. The setting feels very much like a candid moment during a busy day at the port.
• 1991: She has clearly matured and embraced the style of the early 90s—the bold, voluminous hair (possibly with a hint of purple tint, which was a major trend) and more defined makeup. She looks like a young woman confidently coming into her own.

The Significance of Tanjung Perak

Tanjung Perak in Surabaya has always been a bustling hub of human connection. For someone running a food stall there, the port is a revolving door of faces from all over the world. The fact that I was able to find her again two years later—and we both remembered the first meeting enough to take another photo—speaks to a very genuine connection.

It’s a lovely tribute to the people who make travel memorable. The "food stall girl" wasn't just a service provider; she became a landmark in a personal history of Indonesia.

These images offer a nostalgic look at Surabaya in 1989, blending traditional Javanese culture with the "modern" urban life of the era.

Traditional and Modern Style

In the first set of photos, we see Dian Purnamasari showcasing two very different sides of 1980s Indonesian identity:

• The Traditional Side: On the left, she is dressed in Pakaian Pengantin Jawa (Javanese bridal or ceremonial attire). She wears a black velvet kebaya with gold embroidery, a elaborate sanggul (hair bun) adorned with cunduk mentul (gold flower pins), and a long string of jasmine (roncean melati).
• The 80s Chic Side: On the right, she represents the "cool girl" fashion of 1989—big hair, large-frame glasses, a striped blouse, and a denim skirt. This was a classic look for young women in Surabaya during that period.

Surabaya often overshadowed by Bali or Yogyakarta, Surabaya—known as the "City of Heroes"—is a fascinating destination if you enjoy a blend of gritty history, a massive food scene, and a more "authentic" Indonesian urban experience.

28/12/2025: 11.07 p.m