Monday, September 13, 2010

Old Town Area of Semarang. The Remain of a Glory.

Based on its history, the city of Semarang has an existing area at about the 18th century became the center of trade. At present that region is called the Old Town area (Kawasan Kota Tua). At that time, to safeguard the citizens and territory, a Fort was built at that area, which was named the VIJHOEK Fort. To speed up the lines of communication between all Three gates in the fort the streets of transportation was made, with its main street named: Heeren STRAAT. Currently named Jl. LetJend Soeprapto. One of the existing location of the castle door until now is the Berok Bridge (Jembatan Berok), called the DE ZUIDER POR.

Transport path through the water is very important, it is evidenced by the rivers that surround this area that can be navigable from the sea up to Sebandaran area, area of Chinatown. That time the Dutch East Indies had ranked second as a producer of sugar all over the world. At the time Forced Cultivation was happening  (Cultur stelsel) throughout the Netherlands East Indies area.

Semarang's Old City area is also called OUTSTADT. The area is approximately 31 hectares. Judging from the condition of geography, it seems that this area separate from the surrounding areas, so that seems like a separate city, earning the nickname "LITTLE Netherland."

Semarang's Old City area is a witness to the history of Dutch colonial in Indonesia for more than two centuries, and its location adjacent economic zone. In this place there are about 50 ancient buildings that still stand strong and have a history of colonialism in Semarang.

Place to visits
Lighthouse (Mercusuar)
Built in 1884. Construction of the lighthouse is related to the construction of the port city of Semarang as by the colonial government for the transport of sugar exports to the world. During the nineteenth century Indonesia when it was called the Dutch East Indies had occupied the second rank as the world sugar producer. The lighthouse building is the only one in Central Java.

Tawang Railway Station
Station Tambak Sari in Jalan Sari Pengapon, built by NIS (Nederlandsche Indische SPOORWEGMAATSCHARIJ), inaugurated by the Governor-General MR. BARON SLOET VAN DE BEELE. This station replaces the previous station, was built on June 16, 1864 until February 10, 1870 to serve the route Semarang - Yogyakarta - Solo. Because the station was no longer eligible, after the increasing volume of freight, then Tawang Station was built. Building architect is JP DE landing. The building was completed in May 1914. This building has an architectural style appropriate to tropical conditions. This building has a visual axis with the Church Blenduk thereby increasing the value of the area. These buildings include "tetenger" city of Semarang.

CHURCH BLENDUK
Church Blenduk has been more than 200 years old and pledged as a "tetenger" (Landmark) in Semarang. Located at Jalan Let Jend. Suprapto No.32. Blenduk church named because the top two towers and a large dome. Dome in Javanese means Blenduk. This building began its establishment in 1753, used for Nederlandsche Indische Kerk church. This building was repaired again in 1756, 1787, and 1794. In 1894 this building was dismantled as a state now. Architects of this development is the HPA DE Wilde and WWESTMAS.

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