Lawang Sewu is The old building that was constructed in the age of
Dutch Colonial. It was named from Javanesse language, Lawang means door
and Sewu means thousand then Lawang Sewu means Thousands Doors.
According to the name, this building has thousands door but none never
know how many exactly the door is. None can count the exactly number of
doors.
Lawang Sewu was build in 1903 and designed by Dutch Architech, P de
Rieau. The construction was lead by an architeck Profesor Klinkkaner
and Quendaag. The opening ceremony of Lawang Sewu was held in July 1st
1907. At the first place Lawang Sewu was built for Central Office of
Nederlandsch Indische Spoor-weg Maatschapij (NIS) purpose, a Private
Train Company that was existed since 1864 in Indonesia.
The Design of this building compeletely follow Nederland Architecture.
It located in a land of 18.232 meter2 on Jalan Bojong (Bojong Street),
Semarang in the corner or Jalang Pandan Aran and Jalan Dr. Soetomo. The
location inspired the architect to design it with wings shape building
that consist of the main building, left wing building and the right one.
First
foundation was put in February 27th, 1904 constructed with some heavy
concrete construction and wall of split. Almost all material was
prepared from Europe, especially Amsterdam.
Many years passed, the function refers to other function depend on the
age that It passed. Others function are : Office of Transportation
Department, The Head Office of Local Militery Comando of Central Java
(Kodam IV/Diponegoro) and also become a Five Stars Hotel in the New
Orde. The most unforgettable history from this place is Five Days War
in Semarang that this building becomed a centre of war between
Indonesia and Japan’s Soldier. Many people died on the war, including
some of Youth of Train Organization . Their lied on the front yard of
Lawang Sewu. The named have written near the Front Gade of Lawang Sewu.
But
still you can see that none pay attention to it's condition. The
building looks not in good carrying and maintaining. Many placa we can
find show the crack and path. Dust,mould and mud are every where. Some
of the wings building loose the roof. It looks very untidy and
disarrange . Eventhough each day many tourist from local and foreigner
come to see Lawang Sewu, still no change and uncarring.
Hope The
Government will consider to this meaningful history building. Make it
smile and welcome us as one of cultural pledge area. And it always can
attrack foreign tourist to visit Indonesia, especially Semarang.
I really enjoy my experience visited Semarang , the fact I
like doing history tour. It really knowledge me more history and the
beauty of Lawang Sewu even some people say that it is spooky building
because of many history behind.
Ask your friend and family to
come. For you, who like history place tour, I gurantee you will not be
upset with the art and architecture of the building.
