Visiting Surabaya Old Town; 5 Iconic Spots at European Zone

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Surabaya, the capital of Indonesia's East Java Province, known as the City of Heroes, has many historical traces of Indonesia's struggle for independence. One of these historical sites is the 'Kota Lama' or the Old Town. The old town of Surabaya, which used to be the center of the economy, has recently been revitalized by the local city government. Now it has four zones, namely the European, Chinatown, Arab, and Malay zones.

Here are recommendations for interesting tourist spots in the Surabaya Old Town area, especially the European zone, that can be visited while on vacation in Surabaya.

1. Old Town Tour of Surabaya

Renting a Toerwagen Tour or tour around the old city area, provided by the local government by using an electric car, is the best option for visitors. You only need to pay Rp20,000 for one person to tour the vast Old Town area of Surabaya in a short time, starting from Jembatan Merah (the Red Bridge), the Internatio building, and other interesting tourist spots. There will also be a tour guide to help visitors explore the Old Town area.

In addition to the touring car, visitors can also choose several alternative vehicles that have been provided to explore the Old Town of Surabaya, ranging from antique bicycles, and pedicabs to jeeps.

2. Telasih Siropen Lemonade and Syrup Factory 

Telasih Siropen Lemonade and Syrup Factory was established in 1923. It is the first syrup factory in Indonesia. Initially, this factory was built by a Dutch businessman named JC van Dronggelen. The syrup at the Siropen factory uses only pure granulated sugar without artificial sweeteners, resulting in a distinctive natural sweet taste. Visitors can taste the syrup for only Rp35,000 per bottle or Rp7,000 per cup.

3. Surabaya Pos Bloc

Like the Jakarta Pos Bloc, the Surabaya Pos Bloc building is also known for its history where the first president of the Republic of Indonesia, Sukarno, attended the Hogere Burgerschool (HBS). Located on Jalan Kebon Rojo, Krembangan District, Pos Bloc Surabaya is an emerging creative space in the heart of Surabaya City that connects art and culture with the community through education, participation, and economic development for the surrounding community.

Pos Bloc serves as a gathering place for local creative actors to collaborate and offer a variety of artistic activities. The public can visit free of charge to enjoy a series of exhibitions presented by the local management, one of which is the memorial exhibition of the first Indonesian president, Soekarno.

4. Jembatan Merah

Jembatan Merah or the Red Bridge, built in 1809 during the era of Governor General Daendels, witnessed the struggle of the people of Surabaya against the invaders during the colonial era. This bridge connected the eastern area of Kalimas River (Chinatown and Arab areas) with the western region of the river (European area) and was one of the business centers in Surabaya.

Now, Jembatan Merah is one of the interesting tourist spots that is often visited by tourists. From this bridge, visitors can take pictures of the beauty of the surrounding buildings while enjoying the sunset in the afternoon.

5. Internatio Building

Not far from Jembatan Merah is a historic building called the Internatio Building. This building used to be the office of the International Crediet-en Handels-Vereeniging "Rotterdam". According to history, the building was a silent witness to the events of November 10, 1945, when Indonesian citizens fought against the colonial army and the death of Brigadier General Mallaby.

Today, the Internacio building is open to visitors free of charge. The three-story building can also be used for meetings and other events.

ANTARA

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