HISTORY
The picture of the building in the early 1900s.
Lawang Sewu was designed by Cosman Citroen, from the firm formed by senior architects J. F. Klinkhamer and B. J. Ouëndag. The building was designed in the New Indian Style, the academically accepted term for Dutch Rationalism in the Indies. Similar to Dutch Rationalism, the style was the result of an attempt to develop new solutions to integrate traditional precedents (classicism) with new technological possibilities. It can be described as a transitional style between Traditionalist and Modernist and influenced by Berlage's designs.
Construction began in 1904 with building A which was completed in 1907. The rest of the building was completed in 1919. It was originally used by the Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij, the first railroad company in the Dutch East Indies.
After Japan occupied the Dutch East Indies in 1942, the Japanese army took over Lawang Sewu. The basement of building B was turned into a prison with executions carried out inside. When Semarang was recaptured by the Dutch in the battle of Semarang in October 1945, Dutch troops used the tunnel leading to building A to sneak into the city. Fighting ensued with many Indonesian fighters killed. Five employees working there also died.
After the war, the Indonesian army took over the complex. The building was then operated by Djawatan Kereta Republik Indonesia (DKARI). In 1992 the building was designated as a cultural heritage.
The picture of the building now.
Lawang Sewu's Timeline :
Since July 1907 it has been used as the NIS Administration Headquarters.
In 1942-1945 Lawang Sewu was taken over by the Japanese and used as the Riyuku Sokyoku Office (Japanese Transportation Ministry).
In 1945 it became the Office of Central Exploitation Department of DKARI (Djawatan Kereta Api Republik Indonesia).
In 1946 it was used as a Dutch army headquarters so that DKARI office activities moved to the former de Zustermaatschappijen office.
After the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty in 1949, it was used by Kodam IV Diponegoro.
In 1994 this building was handed back to the railroad (Perumka) which then changed its status to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero).
In 2009 restoration was carried out by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero).
July 5, 2011 was the inauguration of the After Restoration of Cultural Heritage Building A Lawang Sewu.
Construction period of Lawang Sewu.
Construction period of Lawang Sewu.
CENTURIES AGO, LAWANG SEWU AND ITS SURROUNDING LIFE.
Lawang Sewu in 1916.