Recognizing the Grahadi Building of Surabaya

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Surabaya is a city filled with dozens of historical venues that are remnants of the Dutch colonial era. The Gedung Negara Grahadi is one of them. Grahadi is a convention hall and the official residence of the current East Java Governor. The name was derived from a certain conference hall found inside the mansion’s building. ‘Graha’ translates to ‘house’ while ‘Adi’ means ‘distinguished’ in Sanskrit. Certainly, nothing but distinguished is the correct description of this elegant and carefully preserved building.

Dutch commissioner Dirk Van Hogendrop, who governed from 1794 to 1798, picked out a site along the banks of the Kalmias River in order to build a pleasing garden-house. The building was then constructed in 1795 and was occupied by Van Hogendrop himself upon completion. However, the Dutch commissioner was only allowed to reside in his dream residence for three years. At the time, he was subject to bureaucratic irregularities and misuse of power. Reports of these incidents then reached the colonial seat government in Batavia which is now Jakarta. In 1798, Van Hogendrop was arrested and sent back to Batavia for further ruling.

In 1810, Daendels, who was the Thunder Governor General, wanted to turn the garden-house into a palace upon his visit. Improvements were then immediately made to the structure. The building was built originally facing the river but Daendals had it changed to face the lawn instead. A bridge was also built to cross the river with a small veranda that people could occupy during afternoon tea hours. The house then became host to many parties and elegant receptions. Later on, sessions of the Court of Justice were held in the mansion.

The last Dutch governor who resided at the Grahadi was Ch. Hartevelt from 1941 to 1942. After the Independence in 1945, R.T. Soerjo was the first Indonesian Governor to live in the building. Come 1949 during the time of Governor Samadikoen, the Grahadi was declared a state building where prominent visitors of the governor were to be received. Meetings and receptions were also held inside the building. Since then, governors have lived in private mansions all over Surabaya city.

The mansion is a perfect example of a Dutch Tropical architectural structure during the colonial era. It is a solid and striking building that is characterized by strong, clean and well-proportioned lines. It occupies an area of about 16,000 square meters with a main two-story building, several annex structures and a pleasantly manicured lawn complete with palm trees and a patriotic flag pole. Its façade is painted in classic, clean white elegance with a veranda held up by columns and an exterior bordered by ferns. Inside, you shall find a reception room, a meeting room, the Governor’s room and several dining rooms all found on its ground floor. The second floor is reserved for four bedrooms and another meeting room.

The structure is located in the center of Surabaya and can be visited every day except for Sundays. Tourists can visit the building from Monday to Thursday from 8 to 1 in the afternoon, Fridays from 8 to 11 in the morning and on Saturdays from 8 to 12 noon. The building is located along the famous Kalimas Rover where tourists can ride a boat to go sightseeing after seeing the Grahadi Building of Surabaya.