TIMES JAZIRAH, BLITAR – The first thing that comes to people’s minds when they hear the name of Blitar city is mostly its association with Indonesia’s first president, Ir. Soekarno. One of the most well-known sites is Gebang Palace.

Gebang Palce or Istana Gebnag in the local language is the residence where Soekarno lived as a teenager with his parents. The house is located not far from his tomb, about two kilometers to the south, precisely at Jalan Sultan Agung No. 69, Blitar City.

This house features a colonial architectural style that dates back to the late 19th century. Despite its age, it still holds memories the guy which also kknown as the Proclamator’ living his youth and preserves many original relics that have been well maintained.

Covering an area of approximately 0.7 hectares, the house is surrounded by a beautiful environment and a strong historical atmosphere. Soekarno lived here with his older sister, Soekarmini Wardoyo, and their parents, Raden Soekemi Sosrodihardjo and Ida Ayu Nyoman Rai, from 1917 to 1919.

Initially, the building belonged to a Dutchman named C.H. Portier and was constructed around the same time as the railway station, built in 1894. Later, Soekarno’s father purchased the house when he moved to Blitar to serve as a school inspector (teacher’s assistant), and the family then occupied it.

At Gebang Palace, visitors can see the entire collection of Bung Karno’s family. (Photo: Abimanyu Satrio Widodo/TIMES Indonesia)

This was confirmed by Kintan, a tour guide at Gebang Palace. “This house used to belong to a Dutch employee of the Indonesian Railways (KAI). When Soekarno’s father was transferred to Blitar, his family moved into this house,” said Kintan.

The Blitar Regency Government officially took over Gebang Palace on June 7, 2012 to preserve it as a historical tourist attraction.

Our reporter had the opportunity to visit one of the most historical places in Blitar City. The house consists of two main buildings: the main house and an art pavilion on the right side.

The admission fee is sper affordable. It is only five thousand rupiah for the locals. The visitors also need to fill out the guest book before being invited inside.

Inside the main hall of Gebang Palace, there are several collections of antique tables, chairs, cabinets, and even a work desk with a typewriter that belonged to Soekarno's brother-in-law, Poegoeh Wardoyo. These items were once used by Soekarno’s family.

The Mercedes-Benz 190 was used to pick up Bung Karno in 1961. (Photo: Abimanyu Satrio Widodo/TIMES Indonesia)

In addition, there are five rooms with various functions, each furnished with clean and neatly arranged antique beds. Some decades-old furniture pieces are also beautifully displayed in the palace, including Soekarno’s bedroom as a teenager and his parents’ room, which he reoccupied when he became the President of Indonesia.

At the back of the house, there is a table and set of chairs where Bung Karno used to relax — the same place once used for PETA (soldiers during the colonial period) meetings led by Sudanco Supriyadi. The family dining room, kitchen with a wood-burning stove, and even the original bathroom remain well preserved.

Among all the areas in Gebang Palace, one of the most visited spots is Soekarno’s Garage. Inside, visitors can see an antique German-made Mercedes Benz 190, the car that was used to pick up Bung Karno in 1961. After exploring the palace, visitors can also buy souvenirs sold within the area.

So, will you put Gebang Palace on your itinerary list? (*)