Lawang Sewu is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Semarang, Central Java. The name “Lawang Sewu” comes from Javanese, meaning “a thousand doors,” because of the many tall doors and windows that give the building its iconic look.

The Beginning of the Building

Lawang Sewu was built in 1904 by the Dutch colonial government. It originally served as the headquarters of the Dutch railway company called Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS). Its strategic location near Tawang Station made it the center of railway operations in the Dutch East Indies at that time.

Unique Architecture

This building was designed by Dutch architects Prof. Jacob F. Klinkhamer and B.J. Quendag in a grand European architectural style. Although it has colonial design elements, the structure was adapted to suit Indonesia’s tropical climate, with high ceilings, large windows for ventilation, and heat-resistant materials.

Even though it doesn’t literally have a thousand doors, the many openings and door-like windows throughout the building earned it the name “Lawang Sewu.” The main structure has two large floors along with several supporting buildings in the complex.

Role During the War

During the Japanese occupation in World War II, Lawang Sewu was taken over and used as a military base. Its basement became a prison and a site of torture, which has contributed to the mysterious and eerie atmosphere that still surrounds the building today.

After Indonesia’s independence, the building was used by various government offices before eventually being preserved as a heritage site.

Its Function Today

Today, Lawang Sewu has been restored and is open to the public as a museum and educational tourist destination. Visitors can learn about the history of Indonesian railways, view colonial-era documents and photos, and explore the iconic hallways and rooms inside.

Lawang Sewu is also frequently used for art exhibitions, photo shoots, and cultural events.

Closing

Lawang Sewu is more than just an old building—it is a silent witness to Indonesia’s transportation history, colonial past, independence struggles, and cultural transformation. Visiting it offers a chance to walk through the doors of history and connect with the stories of the past.