Grammar is more than just sentence structure—it’s a doorway to storytelling, history, and identity. What better way to enter that doorway than through Lawang Sewu, one of Indonesia’s most iconic colonial-era buildings, located in the heart of Semarang, Central Java.
Lawang Sewu, meaning “A Thousand Doors”, was built in the early 20th century by the Dutch East Indies Railway Company (Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij). Known for its grand architecture, vast corridors, and historical depth, the building has served various roles—from a train office to a wartime prison—making it a powerful site for reflection and language learning.
By connecting English grammar lessons with the story of Lawang Sewu, students can learn how language helps us retell the past, describe the present, and reflect on change.
Example (Past Simple + Historical Context):
“Lawang Sewu was constructed in 1904 and served as the headquarters of the Dutch railway company.”
This teaches the past simple tense, allowing learners to narrate historical facts clearly.
Example (Present Perfect + Cultural Impact):
“Over the years, Lawang Sewu has become a symbol of Semarang’s colonial past and cultural resilience.”
Present perfect tense helps express long-term change and relevance from past to present.
Example (Passive Voice):
“The building was damaged during World War II, but it has been restored as a heritage site.”
The passive voice is useful when the focus is on the action or result, rather than who performed it—especially in formal or historical writing.
Example (Relative Clauses):
“Lawang Sewu, which is famous for its mysterious underground tunnels and hundreds of doors, attracts both historians and curious travelers.”
Relative clauses enrich descriptions and are essential for building fluent, academic sentences.
Example (Modal Verbs + Cultural Awareness):
“Visitors should respect the historical significance of the site and may join guided tours to learn more about its past.”
Modal verbs help students express suggestion, permission, and possibility—important in discussing etiquette and learning options.
By learning grammar through Lawang Sewu, students don’t just build sentences—they build connections between language, place, and memory. Grammar becomes a bridge between eras, helping learners appreciate both the power of expression and the weight of history.
Let every lesson be a journey—and let Lawang Sewu be one of the doors that opens it.