Celebrating 159 Years of Railways, KAI Heritage Week Comes to Lawang Sewu on November 9–15, 2026
KAI Heritage Week 2026 will take place from November 9–15, 2026, at Lawang Sewu Museum, Semarang. Under the theme “Transforming the Lifeline of Transportation: Preserving Railway Heritage from the First Railway Line in 1867 Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem,” the event invites the public to explore 159 years of Indonesia's railway history through exhibitions, discussions, seminars, educational activities, and a photography competition.
All activities are free of charge and open to the public!
National Symposium on Railway Cultural Heritage 2026
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
KAI is bringing together historians, cultural heritage experts, infrastructure specialists, and international partners for discussions on preserving railway heritage and exploring its potential for the future.
Under the theme “Transforming the Lifeline of Transportation,” the symposium will feature Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin, and five speakers from Indonesia and abroad, including representatives from UNESCO.
Railway History Exhibition: 150 Historical Photographs and 31 Train Miniatures
Dates: November 9–15, 2026
In collaboration with the Indonesian Railway Preservation Society (IRPS), KAI presents an exhibition featuring 150 historical photographs and 31 train miniatures. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the development of Indonesia's railway system, from its beginnings in 1867 to the modern era.
One of the highlights is a miniature of the legendary Si Gombar locomotive (DD5208). Known as an icon of the Priangan mountain railway routes, this locomotive once operated along the Purwakarta–Garut–Cikajang line, with its final operation taking place in 1983.
Through these photographs and miniatures, visitors can discover the evolution of railway technology, changes in transportation over time, and the important role trains have played in Indonesian society for more than a century and a half.
Heritage Reimagined – Architecture Seminar
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
KAI presents Heritage Reimagined – Architecture Seminar, themed “Architecture, Conservation & the Future of Historic Places.” The seminar will explore conservation strategies for historic buildings, investment opportunities, creative financing, and government policies on heritage asset development.
Experts and professionals from various fields will share their insights during the seminar.
From a conservation perspective, Ar. Ir. Arya Abieta, M.Ars., a cultural heritage conservation practitioner, will discuss the technical challenges of maintaining, restoring, and developing historic buildings. His presentation will also cover restoration methods, conservation cost components, and cost management strategies while preserving the historical and architectural value of these buildings.
Meanwhile, Linda Wijaya, CEO of the Indonesia Real Estate Institute (IREI), will explore the potential of heritage buildings as productive property assets. Topics will include investment feasibility, business models, strategies for attracting investors, and adaptive reuse—the process of giving historic buildings new functions while preserving their architectural character.
The financing perspective will be presented by Milda Zainal Abidin, Senior Director at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, and Rahmi Fauziah, Senior Manager at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. They will discuss innovative financing options, partnership models between asset owners and investors, asset-based revenue financing, and the potential of thematic bonds and green financing to support heritage conservation.
From the regulatory and policy perspective, Indriyani, S.E., M.A.P., Head of the Semarang City Culture and Tourism Office, will discuss government policies on cultural heritage preservation, permits for commercial use, and collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, private businesses, and local communities. The development of Semarang's Old Town area will also be presented as a case study.
The seminar will be moderated by Prof. Ir. Ikaputra, M.Eng., Ph.D., Professor of Architecture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and a member of the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Heritage Council.
Through these different perspectives, the seminar aims to explore how historical preservation, development needs, and the economic sustainability of heritage assets can be balanced.
Photography Sharing Session & Photo Competition
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Photography enthusiasts and communities are also invited to join the Photography Sharing Session & Photo Competition, themed “Capture The Heritage, Respect The Safety.”
The event will feature Wahyu Putro Arinto, Senior Photographer at ANTARA Foto, and Renditya Astari, Senior Photographer at the Indonesian Railway Preservation Society (IRPS). They will share their knowledge of photography techniques, experiences in documenting railway heritage, and the importance of following safety guidelines when photographing railway environments.
Following the sharing session, participants will take part in the On-the-Spot Photo Competition. They will be invited to explore the unique corners of Lawang Sewu Museum, capture the building's architectural character, and tell its historical stories through photography.
The entries will be judged by Maha Eka Swasta, a senior photographer and member of the Indonesian Press Council. The organizers have also prepared prizes worth millions of rupiah for the competition winners.
Join Us at KAI Heritage Week 2026!
Mark your calendar!
KAI Heritage Week 2026 – Rail Heritage Forum 2026
- Dates: November 9–15, 2026
- Venue: Lawang Sewu Museum, Semarang
- Theme: Transforming the Lifeline of Transportation: Preserving Railway Heritage from the First Railway Line in 1867 Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem
- Admission: Free and open to the public.
We look forward to seeing you at KAI Heritage Week 2026!
For more information about event schedules, registration, and participation requirements, visit KAI's official Instagram account: @kaiuntukidn.