The Vibrant Heart of Surabaya: Wonokromo

• HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [seh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-lah-kahn]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [tuh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [bah-eek. bah-gai-mah-nah dehng-ahn-moo]
• Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [ah-pah-kah kah-moo bee-sah buhr-bah-hah-sah eeng-grees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mehng-gehr-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sah-yah een-geen meh-lee-haht meh-noo toh-lohng]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yahng]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [seh-lah-maht mee-noom]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sah-yah een-geen mehm-bah-yahr toh-lohng]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [pehr-gee]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pahng-geel poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sah-yah tuhr-seh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen mehm-beh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sah-yah hahn-yah meh-lee-haht-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tuhr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bee-sah koo-rang-gee hahr-gahn-yah]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jahm beh-rah-pah seh-kah-rahng]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [seh-kah-rahng poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [seh-tehn-gah (seh-poo-looh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonSore
  [soh-reh]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [keh-mah-reen]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [beh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [deh-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sehm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [seh-poo-looh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/...?
  [dee-mah-nah ah-dah/...?]
• What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [beh-rah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan pada saya (di peta)?
  [bee-sah toon-jook-kahn pah-dah sah-yah (dee peh-tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [kah-pahn yahng beh-ree-koot-nyah (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [tee-keht (keh ....)]

Wonokromo's history is tightly intertwined with the colonial era, particularly during the Dutch East Indies period. Established in the late 19th century, it became a significant area for the burgeoning trade activities in Surabaya, which was a pivotal port city for the Dutch. The neighborhood's layout and infrastructure were influenced by colonial urban planning, with many buildings reflecting Dutch architectural styles.

During the Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949), Wonokromo played an important role as a center for resistance against colonial rule. Many local leaders emerged from the area, and it became a hub for political organization and activism, reflecting the broader struggle for independence that was sweeping across Surabaya and Indonesia as a whole.

Wonokromo is known for its rich cultural diversity, featuring a mix of Javanese, Chinese, and Arab influences. This cultural blend is evident in the local cuisine, festivals, and daily life. Traditional markets, such as Pasar Wonokromo, serve as vibrant centers of commerce and social interaction, showcasing the neighborhood's unique cultural tapestry.

In recent decades, Wonokromo has experienced significant urbanization and development. The area has seen an influx of new businesses, residential complexes, and improved infrastructure. This transformation reflects the broader economic growth of Surabaya as Indonesia's second-largest city, while still preserving elements of its historical charm.

The neighborhood has also become a focal point for community art initiatives, with local artists and organizations promoting cultural activities and workshops. This resurgence of interest in the arts is part of a larger movement within Surabaya to celebrate and preserve local heritage, making Wonokromo a vibrant hub for creativity.

Wonokromo is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Surabaya. The main access point is via the Surabaya Gubeng Train Station, which is nearby. From the airport, you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly to Wonokromo, which takes about 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, public buses and angkots (minivans) are available from various neighborhoods, with routes that lead to Wonokromo.

Getting around Wonokromo is convenient with several modes of transportation. The area is served by public buses and angkots, which are an affordable way to navigate the neighborhood. For a more personalized experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore local sights at your own pace. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Wonokromo is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated streets. Areas around the markets can sometimes attract petty crime, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always be cautious and use reputable transportation services.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police assistance or 118 for medical emergencies in Indonesia. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospitals, such as RSUD Dr. Soetomo. It's also wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. In case of any legal issues, contact your embassy or consulate for guidance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting spiritual sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including dressing appropriately in religious places. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod. Avoid overly familiar gestures unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept hospitality. Don’t refuse food or drink offered, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Wonokromo like a local, visit the traditional markets for fresh produce and local snacks. Engage with street vendors, as they often share interesting stories about their goods. Try to learn a few basic Indonesian phrases; locals appreciate the effort. Additionally, explore nearby parks and community spaces where you can observe daily life and interact with residents.