Part of Heritage Building Grounds in Cimahi Affected by Underpass Construction, Says TACB

Part of the grounds of the Sudirman Building, also known as The Historich, in Cimahi, West Java, has been affected by the construction of the Gatot Subroto Underpass. The front section of the building, a cultural heritage site from the Dutch East Indies administration, has been demolished to support the underpass project promised by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi.

Construction of the Gatot Subroto Underpass in Cimahi has commenced. The affected portion of the Sudirman Building’s grounds has already been cleared, along with the felling of large trees and the start of road demolition to facilitate the tunnel construction.

Machmud Mubarok, chairman of the Cimahi Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB), said the demolition of part of The Historich’s grounds does not affect its cultural heritage designation. This is because the heritage object, established through Cimahi Mayor Decree Number 430/Kep.1692-Disbudparpora/2022 concerning the Sudirman Building as a Cultural Heritage Building of Cimahi City, covers only the building itself.

“The grounds are fine; what is designated as cultural heritage is the building, not the grounds,” Machmud said when contacted on Sunday (23/8/2026).

The Historich, or Sudirman Building, is a relic of the Dutch East Indies administration, with construction beginning during the Dutch colonial period in 1895. The building was originally used as a gathering and entertainment venue, particularly for Dutch soldiers.

“At that time, soldiers were tired after fighting or training, so their entertainment was in that building. There was a theatre, dancing, and film screenings there,” Machmud said.