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Semarang Tawang Station
During the initial operation of the railway, there was no any railway line connecting Semarang Tawang and Semarang Poncol stations, both of which were the last station destinations or ‘Kopstation’. The Semarang Poncol station provided the trains heading from/to west (Cirebon), while the Semarang Tawang station from/to east (Solo and Yogyakarta). This was because Semarang Tawang and Semarang Poncol stations were owned by different railway companies, the NIS and SCS respectively. Due to separate railway line connection, each of them has their own stations. This condition made both train passengers and freights difficult travel by railway transportation. Fortunately, at the beginning of the Japanese occupancy in Indonesia in 1942/1943, Semarang Tawang and Semarang Poncol stations were eventually connected. At the same time, the NIS and SCS were merged under supervision of Japanese government in Indonesia.
Since July 2009, PT Kereta Api (persero) has classified about 600 stations in Indonesia whose age is over 50 years as cultural and historical heritage, including Semarang Tawang station. This initiative is done in an attempt to protect and restore the unique and historical buildings so that they still can maintain their original features. Having a station as cultural heritage brings cleanliness and comfort to the station. At this time, the restoration process which is progressing takes place in Semarang Tawang station. So far one stage of the restoration process has been completed. Restoration plan includes replacement the old layer of the building wall with the new one, including grey-color cement (PC) and emulsion paint. One of the rooms which is about to restore is the main lobby of the station. The lobby has been designed as the entrance gate to Semarang. The restoration clearly illustrates that it is very important to conserve and restore station buildings as the cultural and historical assets and a significant part of the Indonesian railway history.{jcomments on} |
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Photo's Courtesy KITLV, The Netherlands
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