BPK Central Java Flags Additional Structures in Restoration of Former Banjarnegara Station

BANJARNEGARA, KOMPAS.com - The Cultural Preservation Hall (BPK) of Central Java has issued several notes regarding the restoration of the former Banjarnegara Station, a designated cultural heritage building.

One key concern is the height of the additional structures and plans for a concrete slab construction that might come into contact with the original building.

Wahyu Broto Raharjo, Junior Cultural Officer at BPK Central Java, explained that adjustments are necessary both to protect the old structure and to allow continued use of the former station.

"It will indeed be restored, monggo. Utilizing it as an office, monggo, is not a problem because it’s best to keep it in use," Wahyu told reporters on Tuesday (22/9/2026).

According to Wahyu, making use of heritage buildings is essential to maintain their condition.

However, such use must still respect the building’s original character.

BPK remains open to physical alterations as long as they do not remove the main parts of the cultural heritage structure and all administrative procedures are followed.

"Physical changes in part of the building can still be tolerated, allowed, provided all administration, permits, and so forth are carried out," he said.

Notes from BPK

One of BPK’s notes relates to the additional building at the back of the former Banjarnegara Station.

The height of this structure should be lowered to avoid disrupting the old building’s construction, including its console sections.

BPK also highlighted the plan to use concrete wall or slab structures to support parts of the old building.

Wahyu said that such construction could be considered but the risk of water retention—which would accelerate damage to the wooden materials on the old building—must be carefully evaluated.

"If the slab stores water, then the wood in contact will deteriorate faster," he explained.

Wahyu also stressed the importance of coordination between the asset managers and the cultural heritage preservation authorities before any physical work begins.

Kuat Herry Isnanto, Head of the Culture Division at the Banjarnegara Regency Tourism and Culture Office, stated that BPK’s review essentially aims to restore the former Banjarnegara Station’s main building to its original form.

"The conclusion is actually to return it to its original form. There are also some notes to ensure that the additional building at the back can be adaptive with the front building," Kuat said.

He added that the adjustments to the additional structures relate not only to aesthetics but also to the safety of the old building.

Previously, the former Banjarnegara Station drew attention after parts of the building were dismantled.

After objections from TACB Banjarnegara, PT KAI Daop 5 Purwokerto conducted an inspection together with Banjarnegara Regency government and TACB, confirming plans to restore the dismantled parts.

The door section that had been removed has been returned to its original state.