Spookhuis : Rumah Tuhan di Gedung Setan

Summary

The video explores the history and current condition of 'Gedong Setan' (the 'Haunted Building') in Surabaya, Indonesia, a deteriorating structure with significant historical value. The building, originally used for various purposes during the Indonesian revolution and later as a place of worship, is now home to 62 families living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. Despite its historical importance, the building faces neglect from authorities due to its private ownership. The residents hope for government intervention to improve their living conditions, and the building remains a symbol of struggle and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gedung Setan, located in Surabaya, has a long and complex history, dating back to the 1948 Revolution when it housed refugees.
• 😀 The building gained its ominous name, 'Gedung Setan' (Devil's Building), due to folklore and rumors surrounding its location and the people who lived there.
• 😀 Pak Binbi, one of the residents, has lived in Gedung Setan since birth and is now 63 years old, reflecting the deep connection the community has with the building.
• 😀 The building has suffered significant deterioration over the years, with issues like leaking roofs and unstable walls, leading it to be classified as uninhabitable.
• 😀 Gedung Setan served multiple purposes over time, including as a place of worship for the Christian community in the area, particularly for ethnic Chinese residents.
• 😀 The building’s historical significance is rooted in its role as a sanctuary for refugees during political upheaval, particularly during the post-Revolution period and the G30S event.
• 😀 Despite its historical and cultural importance, the building has faced challenges in obtaining support or renovation, partly due to it being privately owned.
• 😀 Efforts to relocate the residents have been unsuccessful, and the local government has yet to provide any direct solutions for the building’s deteriorating condition.
• 😀 The building’s reputation as haunted has contributed to the stigma surrounding it, but residents like Pak Binbi and Bu Eli continue to live there, emphasizing the community's resilience.
• 😀 The residents of Gedung Setan, while struggling with poor living conditions, advocate for government intervention, urging attention from local officials to address their housing needs.
• 😀 Despite its decline, Gedung Setan stands as a symbol of the struggles and perseverance of the families who have lived there for generations.

Q & A

What is the significance of Gedong Setan in Surabaya?

Gedong Setan is a historically significant building in Surabaya, known for its long history and role in housing displaced families since the 1940s. Despite its deteriorating condition, it holds cultural and historical value as a symbol of survival and community resilience.

How did Gedong Setan get its name?

The name 'Gedong Setan' originated in 1948 when the building was surrounded by dense jungle, creating a spooky atmosphere. Local folklore suggested the presence of spirits, leading to the building being referred to as 'Gedong Setan,' meaning 'The Devil’s Building.'

How long have Pak Binbi and Bu Eli lived in Gedong Setan?

Pak Binbi has lived in Gedong Setan since birth, making it a total of 63 years. Bu Eli has also lived in the building for a long time, sharing the same history and connection to the place.

What is the current condition of Gedong Setan?

The building is in a dilapidated state, with significant structural damage. The roofs are leaking, the wooden framework is decaying, and the building is not fit for habitation. It has been categorized as uninhabitable due to these conditions.

How many families live in Gedong Setan, and what are their living conditions?

There are currently 60 families living in Gedong Setan, with most of them occupying small, cramped rooms. These rooms are divided by makeshift partitions made of plywood, leading to overcrowded conditions where multiple families share one space.

What role does the upstairs church play in Gedong Setan?

The church located on the second floor of Gedong Setan serves as a place of worship for the residents, particularly those from the Christian community. It provides spiritual support and a sense of community amidst the challenging living conditions.

Who owns Gedong Setan, and how has this affected government intervention?

Gedong Setan is privately owned by Dr. T. Shuhi, which has limited the ability of the government to intervene directly in its renovation or relocation efforts. While the government has acknowledged the building’s poor condition, no clear solutions have been provided due to its private ownership status.

What has been the government's response to the conditions at Gedong Setan?

The government has recognized that Gedong Setan is not suitable for habitation and has proposed relocating the residents. However, progress has been slow, and residents like Pak Binbi and Bu Eli express frustration at the lack of concrete actions taken to address their living conditions.

What is the historical importance of Gedong Setan?

Gedong Setan has significant historical value. It was built during the colonial period by J. Aven Middlecop and was later repurposed for displaced families during the revolution. The building is also linked to Surabaya's broader historical context, including its role in accommodating Tionghoa refugees and the city's cultural evolution.

Why is there a sense of attachment to Gedong Setan among its residents?

Despite its poor condition, Gedong Setan represents more than just a building to its residents. It is a symbol of community, history, and survival. Many residents, like Pak Binbi and Bu Eli, have lived there for decades, and they feel deeply connected to the place as a part of their identity and family history.