Was Lawang Sewu Really Not Originally A Haunted Place?

Was Lawang Sewu Really Not Originally a Haunted Place?

When people hear the name Lawang Sewu, many immediately think of ghost stories. However, its original purpose had nothing to do with the supernatural. The building was constructed as the headquarters of the Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS), a Dutch railway company, with construction beginning in 1904.

The name "Lawang Sewu" means "a thousand doors" in Javanese. In reality, the building doesn't actually have one thousand doors. It earned the nickname because of its large number of doors and tall windows, which from a distance look very much like additional doors.

During the Japanese occupation, parts of the building were used as offices and detention areas. Some underground spaces also served military purposes. These historical events later contributed to many stories and local legends, although not all of them are supported by historical evidence.

After Indonesia gained independence, Lawang Sewu continued to play an important role in the country's railway history. Today, the restored building is open to visitors, who can admire its European-style architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and exhibitions about the development of Indonesia's railways.

Rather than visiting only because of the myths, it's worth appreciating Lawang Sewu for its historical significance. The building tells the story of transportation, colonial history, and Indonesia's journey through an important period of its past.

Recommended Historical Site:
Lawang Sewu, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.

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