Kudus to Revive Historic Train Station as Culinary Hub

TheIndonesia.co - The Kudus Regency Government in Central Java plans to preserve the former Kudus Train Station by repurposing it as a culinary center—a move welcomed by many as a way to strengthen the city’s identity, according to historian and academic Hendy Hendro HS.

“Turning the old station into a city landmark can deepen community pride in Kudus’s cultural and historical roots,” said Hendy, a lecturer at Muria Kudus University (UMK), on Monday, according to Antara News Agency. “It could also become a tourist attraction that helps boost the local economy.”

He suggested that alongside its commercial use, the space should include historical storytelling to educate visitors about the station’s past, ensuring that its heritage remains alive.

 

The Kudus government intends to lease the former station in Wergu Kulon Village, Kota District—a site that has sat unused since 2017 when the local market was relocated to the southwest of Balai Jagong Kudus.

Built in 1883 during the Dutch East Indies era, the station was declared a cultural heritage site in 2005. Hendy emphasized that the architectural form of the building should remain intact and preserved.

“It’s crucial for Kudus Regency to protect and utilize its cultural heritage buildings. They are valuable assets that carry deep historical and cultural meaning,” he said.

Preserving such heritage, he added, contributes to knowledge about local history and values, while also providing public spaces that enhance community life.

Hendy noted that Kudus has many other heritage-rich areas with development potential, including the Kudus Kulon District, the Menara Area, the Kaliputu Jenang Industry Zone, and historic houses like Rumah Kapal and Rumah Kembar Nitisemito.

Regent of Kudus, Sam’ani Intakoris, confirmed plans to lease the 6,000-square-meter plot of land from PT KAI, the Indonesian railway company, to develop a culinary and MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) hub.

The proposed commercial lease rate is around IDR 3.7 billion for five years, not including interest for annual payment schemes. However, government lessees are eligible for discounted rates.

Aside from supporting small businesses, the revitalization also aims to prevent the area from appearing neglected and overgrown.