Revitalized 112 Year Old Semarang Tawang Station Inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (07/30) inaugurated the revitalized Semarang Tawang Station in Semarang, Central Java province, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to providing modern transportation infrastructure, while preserving historical heritage and national identity.

Upon arrival at the station, the President was welcomed by members of the public and students enthusiastically. He also exchanged greetings with local residents before the event began and then  proceeded to inspect panels showcasing the revitalization process of the station, which is one of the oldest stations in Indonesia.

In his remarks, the Head of State underscored the significance of Semarang Tawang Station in the nation’s historical journey, noting that it once was once used by the first President of the Republic of Indonesia to travel to various regions in the early days of independence.

“The historical record shows that Indonesia’s first president used this station to travel to various regions to carry out state affairs in the early days of independence. Therefore, maintaining and preserving Tawang Station is more than safeguarding a building; it is about preserving the identity and memory of historical of our nation’s historical journey,” he added.

President Prabowo Subianto also reminded everyone that a great country honors and preserves its history. He added that past experiences, including the colonial period, must serve as lessons for building national progress through the mastery of science and technology.

Thus, preserving all cultural heritage and historic buildings is an inseparable part of the national identity, he added.

On that occasion, the President also expressed his appreciation to railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) for its swift completion of the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station.

In the meantime, President Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Bobby Rasyidin in his report stated that Semarang Tawang Station began operating in 1914 after its construction in 1911 during the Dutch East Indies era. According to him, the station holds significant historical value as it forms part of Indonesia’s struggle for independence. He went on to say that the revitalization and beautification of the station were carried out under the President’s directive and completed in just 330 days.

The first phase of the revitalization includes upgrading the front façade and main hall, as well as restoring the west and east wings of the building to their original form based on historical photographs.  In addition, period lighting and various ornamental features are also being restored to closely resemble their original condition.

“Thus, we can continue to preserve the heritage and historical footprints of this 112-year-old building,” Bobby said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/EP)