Travelling Home for Eid? Stop by Benteng Pendem, Just 15 Minutes from Bawen Toll Gate
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Ministry of Public Works is inviting Eid travellers to make use of their 2026 Lebaran journey to stop by a historic tourism destination. Benteng Pendem Ambarawa in Central Java has been prepared as an alternative destination amid the mudik traffic flow.
This cultural heritage area has been revitalised and is now open as a heritage destination with more organised facilities. The improvements were carried out to enhance comfort without removing the historical value of the buildings.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that this area can be utilised as a means of education as well as tourism. The fortress stands on 2.7 hectares of land with a building area of around 1 hectare.
“The area arrangement was carried out by prioritising the principles of cultural heritage preservation, including maintaining the characteristic architecture of the fortress that combines brick, iron, and wood materials,” said Dody.
Dody mentioned that the work began in December 2023 together with PT Waskita Karya with a contract value of around Rp156.8 billion. The work includes revitalisation of the main building, area arrangement, construction of a parking area of 6,429.93 square metres, and improvement of road access of 5,873.42 square metres.
“Now the Benteng Pendem Ambarawa area appears more organised and comfortable, with characteristic brick corridors as well as open spaces that can be used as educational areas as well as tourism spots for visitors,” Dody continued.
Access to the location is considered easy to reach from the main mudik route. From the Semarang-Solo Toll Road, travellers can exit at the Bawen Toll Gate and continue the journey for about 15 minutes.
“Around the area, travellers can also visit other destinations such as the Ambarawa Railway Museum and the Ambarawa Palagan Monument, which add to the historical tourism experience in the region,” Dody added.
The Ministry of Public Works assesses that the development of this area can encourage local economic movement. The tourism and creative economy sectors are expected to be boosted during the Eid mudik period.