Since the establishment of Indonesia's National Hero program, numerous commemorative sites have emerged across the nation, constructing a cultural landscape that channels collective memory. These locations are crucial for preserving national identity, but state intervention frequently shapes them by highlighting particular narratives in order to support nationalist ideologies. This study examines how physical memorials function as sites of memory, focusing on the commemoration of female heroes and the gendered aspects of their portrayal. By analysing the state’s role in curating public memory, this research reveals how female figures are both celebrated and instrumentalized to serve broader nationalist agendas. Through a gendered lens, the study uncovers the complexities of memorialization in Indonesia, reflecting the intersection of heritage, spatial politics, and state influence in shaping public perceptions of heroism. Ultimately, this paper contributes to understanding how gender and nationalism intersect in constructing public memory in postcolonial Indonesia.