According to the National Development Planning Agency, Surabaya is one of the four main central cities of Indonesia, alongside Jakarta, Medan, and Makassar.

In the late 15th and 16th centuries, Surabaya grew to be a duchy, a major political and military power as well as a port in eastern Java, probably under the Majapahit empire.

[22][23] The name Surabaya, derived from the Javanese phrase "sura ing baya," translates to "bravely facing danger.

"[24] Its origins trace back to the Pali words "sura," referring to the figure "Asura" from Buddhist beliefs, and bhaya, meaning "fear," "perils," or "danger."

[29] Surabaya was previously known as Soerajabaya, a name written using the van Ophuijsen spelling system, an older form of Indonesian orthography.

The earliest historical record of Surabaya was in the 1225 book Zhu Fan Zhi written by Zhao Rugua, in which it was called Zhòng Jiā Lú (重迦庐).

Hujung Galuh was located on the estuary of Brantas River and today is part of modern Surabaya city and Sidoarjo Regency.

At the estuary, the outflowing water is fresh.Ma Huan visited Java during Zheng He's fourth expedition in 1413, during the reign of Majapahit king Wikramawardhana.

The anniversary of the city of Surabaya was set on May 31, 1293, commemorating the victory of the Majapahit led by Raden Wijaya against the Mongol invasion.

[40][41] In the 18th and 19th centuries, Surabaya was largest city in the Dutch East Indies, becoming a major trading center and hosting the most extensive naval base in the colony.

'Teenagers of Surabaya') killed British Brigadier Aubertin Mallaby on 30 October 1945, near Jembatan Merah, allegedly with a stray bullet.

The ensuing battle, which cost thousands of lives, took place on 10 November, which Indonesians subsequently celebrate as Hari Pahlawan (Heroes' Day).

The increase in vehicles, the growth of new industries and the proliferation of housing carried out by real estate companies occupying the outskirts of the city have resulted in traffic jams not only in the downtown area but also frequently in the suburbs.

Surabaya the capital of East Java province, extends over 350.56 km2 (135.35 sq mi), its metropolitan area covers 6,310.06 km2 (2,436.33 sq mi), which includes the satellite cities of Mojokerto, Gresik, Sidoarjo, Bangkalan, and Lamongan, and has an estimated population of 9.96 million as of 2023[update], making it the Second largest urban area in Indonesia and the Top 50 largest in the world.

The city's first female mayor is Tri Rismaharini, who has led Surabaya to achieve many regional, national and international awards during her ten-year tenure, from 2010 to 2020.

On a national level, Surabaya is consolidated with the neighboring Sidoarjo Regency to form the East Java I constituency for the Indonesia House of Representatives.

Also, a significant population of Chinese Indonesians adhere to Buddhism and Confucianism, and a small community of Dutch Jews follow Judaism.

[96] Christianity as a whole is mainly practised by Chinese Indonesians, as well as native Javanese, Bataks, and Ambonese who attend either a Roman Catholic or Protestant church.

[97][98] A minority of Javanese worship at the Gereja Kejawen, a syncretic religious movement that combines Christianity with the traditional religion of Java.

[109] Its rich history as a trading port has led to a strong financial infrastructure with modern economic institutions such as banks, insurance, and sound export-import companies.

Major industries include shipbuilding, heavy equipment, food processing and agriculture, electronics, home furnishings, and handicrafts.

To anticipate the occurrence of flooding, the city government has built many pump houses spread across several points in Surabaya, including Mulyorejo and Jemursari.

In addition to pump houses, the city government has also built many parks that are used as sources of water absorption as well as areas for residents to interact, as well as carry out intensive cleaning and maintenance of major rivers in Surabaya.

In 2018, President Joko Widodo inaugurated final segments of the Trans-Java Toll Road, fully connecting Jakarta and Surabaya with expressways.

Because of its strategic position and the existence of surrounding advantageous hinterlands, the port constitutes the center of inter island shipping for Eastern Indonesia.

[133] Surabaya is famous for Rawon, Rujak cingur, Semanggi, Lontong Balap, clams satay, mussels, and rice cake.

Starting in 1914, SVB was based on the Nederlandsch Indische Voetbalbond (NIVB), created by Dutch football federation (KNVB).

Persebaya has competed against European teams including Lokomotiv Moscow, Sturm Graz, Grasshoppers, Salzburg, Stade de Reims, Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan, and lastly, Queens Park Rangers (QPR).

[148] The national public research university Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), which emphasizes science, engineering, and vocational education.

The State University of Surabaya (UNESA), a prominent institution that trains teachers and offers courses in law, technology, and economics.