Minister Inspects Lawang Sewu Readiness Ahead of Lunar New Year

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - To welcome the 2577 Kongzili Lunar New Year celebrations, Indonesian Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, conducted a readiness inspection of Lawang Sewu, the historic landmark of Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

This colonial-era heritage site stands as a testament to the evolution of the national railway system and Indonesia's struggle for independence. During her visit, the Minister toured the "Building of a Thousand Doors," including the newly integrated immersive room, which features futuristic visual projections detailing the history of Indonesian Railways (KAI).

This attraction aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s Tourism 5.0 program, which advocates for digital-based service enhancements and elevated visitor experiences. 

"Through the immersive corridor, visitors can engage with the history of Indonesian Railways and the nation's values in a more vivid and interactive manner," remarked Minister Widiyanti.

Hetty Herawati, Commercial Director of State-owned Railways Company PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Tourism, confirmed that comprehensive measures for safety, comfort, and hygiene are in place to anticipate a surge in visitors. During major holidays like Lunar New Year, attendance is expected to climb significantly, reaching approximately 10,000 visitors per day.

"We have prepared various anticipatory steps to ensure guests can enjoy the ambiance of Lawang Sewu comfortably and securely," said Hetty. 

To enliven the festivities, Lawang Sewu will host several cultural attractions, including lion dance (barongsai) performances and the traditional distribution of angpau (red envelopes). These activities are intended to enrich the visitor experience while strengthening the destination's appeal.

Minister Widiyanti’s working visit further underscores the Ministry's commitment to ensuring tourism destinations deliver optimal economic impact. Additionally, it reinforces Indonesia’s position as an inclusive, culturally rich, and world-class travel destination. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)