RRI.CO.ID, Semarang - The French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Monsieur Fabien Penone, retraced the journey of legendary French poet Arthur Rimbaud in Central Java. The commemorative event coincided with the 150th anniversary of Rimbaud’s arrival on the island of Java and served as a symbol of the close historical and cultural ties between Indonesia and France.

The series of activities took place at Kedungjati Station and Tuntang Station, two locations traversed by Arthur Rimbaud during his time in the Dutch East Indies in 1876. The event culminated with the inauguration of the exhibition 150 Years of Arthur Rimbaud in Indonesia at the heritage site Lawang Sewu in Semarang on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The retracing was attended by officials from State-owned Railways Company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Area (Daop) 4 Semarang, KAI Wisata, Alliance Française Semarang, the Semarang City Administration, and representatives of the French Embassy. Also present were a number of historians, academics, and cultural activists.

According to historical records, Arthur Rimbaud arrived in Semarang on August 1, 1876, before continuing his journey by train to Tuntang and then to Salatiga. Although his stay was brief, the trip became a significant chapter in the life story of one of the most influential poets in French literary history.

French Ambassador, Monsieur Fabien Penone, said the event aimed to reintroduce Arthur Rimbaud’s trail to the French public. Additionally, it sought to highlight Indonesia’s historical tourism potential.

In his view, for the French public, Semarang represents the farthest destination Arthur Rimbaud ever reached during his travels at that time.

“Through this retracing, we want to popularize this trail once again so that it becomes better known to the public in France,” he said.

“We also hope this history can become an attraction, encouraging more French tourists to visit historical sites linked to Arthur Rimbaud’s journey in Indonesia,” he added on Thursday.

Public Relations Manager of PT KAI Daop 4 Semarang, Luqman Arif, described the visit as recognition of the historical value of Central Java’s railway lines, noting that they have become part of the journey of a global figure.

“Railways do not merely connect city to city; they also connect history, culture, and civilization. Arthur Rimbaud’s trail shows that more than a century ago, Java’s railway lines had already become part of world history,” he said.

He emphasized that PT KAI bears responsibility for preserving this heritage. “So that it remains sustainable, relevant, and continues to provide educational value to the community and future generations,” he added.

According to Luqman, PT KAI remains committed to preserving heritage assets such as Kedungjati Station, Tuntang Station, and Lawang Sewu. The company ensures these sites function not only as historical relics but also evolve into educational spaces and cultural tourism destinations.

Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the railway heritage is expected to gain greater international recognition while further strengthening the friendship between Indonesia and France. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)