KBRN, Jakarta: The Lawang Sewu Museum in Semarang, Central Java, has emerged as a powerhouse of Indonesian heritage tourism, drawing over half a million visitors this year. 

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), through its subsidiary KAI Wisata, reported that exactly 568,075 people explored the iconic Semarang landmark in 2025, signaling a robust and growing public appetite for history-based education that resonates with contemporary lifestyles.

Originally constructed in 1904 as the headquarters for the Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NISM), Lawang Sewu (Thousand Doors) has transitioned from a silent witness of Indonesia’s early railway development into a vibrant, inclusive space for recreation. 

To remain relevant for younger generations, the management has introduced several adaptive facilities, including an Immersive Cinema that offers an interactive journey through railway history and a sophisticated night lighting system that allows for atmospheric evening tours. These digital touchpoints are designed to bridge the historical divide between the 20th and 21st centuries.

The success of this modernization strategy is echoed by the leadership at KAI, who emphasize that the site’s evolution is a deliberate effort to balance preservation with public engagement. 

“We provide a visiting experience that is adaptive to the times, ensuring the preservation of this National Cultural Heritage site while strengthening its public education function,” explained Anne Purba, Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, as quoted by Antara.

 This commitment to relevance is further demonstrated by a grand year-end collaboration with Jakarta Clothing (JakCloth), which will transform the museum complex into a festival of culture, culinary delights, and music from December 30, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

The upcoming festival is set to be a major highlight for holidaymakers in Central Java, featuring a diverse lineup of national music legends such as Padi Reborn, Barasuara, and Dendi Nata. In a highly anticipated performance, Bakuucakar will present "Glenn Fredly Live" featuring Ryan Ekky Pradipta, alongside international performers like Hall of the Elder. 

This blend of creative local products and high-profile entertainment serves to solidify Semarang’s position as a primary destination for tourism and cultural activity on Java Island.

The magnetic pull of Lawang Sewu is mirrored by a massive surge in rail travel across the national network during the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) period. 

As of December 21, 2025, KAI has recorded the sale of 2,279,308 tickets out of a total capacity of over 3.5 million seats. Long-distance train travel has proven particularly popular, with 2,034,917 tickets sold, representing a 73.7 percent occupancy rate, while local trains have reached 32.8 percent occupancy with 244,391 tickets purchased. 

Semarang Tawang Station remains a focal point of this mobility, consistently ranking among the top ten busiest stations in the country.

To ensure that this wave of holiday travel remains accessible, KAI has implemented a 30 percent tariff discount program valid from December 22 through January 10, allocating over 1.5 million seats for the promotion. 

Early data indicates that over 800,000 economy-class tickets have already been claimed under this program, accounting for 54 percent of the allocated stock. This strategic combination of heritage appeal, cultural festivals, and travel incentives has positioned Lawang Sewu and the city of Semarang as the definitive destination for Indonesians closing out the 2025 calendar year. ***