{{Short description|Building in Surabaya}} {{lead rewrite|date=August 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox building | name = Balai Pemuda | image = Alun alun Surabaya.jpg | caption = Balai Pemuda in 2020 | former_names = Simpangsche Societeit or Simpangsche Club | pushpin_map = | map_caption = | building_type = | architectural_style = New Indies Style, Dutch Rationalism, Neo Renaissance | structural_system = | cost = | address = Jalan Suryo No.15, Surabaya, Indonesia | client = | owner = Surabaya City Government | current_tenants = | landlord = | coordinates = {{Coord|7.2639219|S|112.74529300566195|E|display=inline,title}} | construction_start_date = | completion_date = 1907 | inauguration_date = | demolished_date = | destruction_date = | height = | diameter = | other_dimensions = | floor_count = | floor_area = | main_contractor = | architect = J.J van der Mey | structural_engineer = | services_engineer = | civil_engineer = | other_designers = | quantity_surveyor = | awards = | references = }}
'''Balai Pemuda''' or '''Alun-Alun Surabaya''' is a historical site in Surabaya. The site serves as a hub for cultural and artistic activities.
== History == Originally built in 1907, it was known as Simpangsche Societeit or Simpangsche Club a nightlife venue for European elites, especially Dutch citizens. The locals affectionately called it “Roemah Kamar Bola” due to the billiards game held there. Designed by Dutch architect Westmaes, this heritage building features a distinctive dome resembling a crown. Today, Balai Pemuda hosts art events, houses the Surabaya Public Library, and includes Alun-alun Surabaya—an outdoor area with a food court and exhibition space12.<ref>{{cite web |title=Balai Pemuda dan Alun-alun Surabaya | website=tourism.surabaya.go.id | date=26 October 2021 | url=https://tourism.surabaya.go.id/destination/56d2e7fe-0061-4f14-b276-763dd12659d8 | language=id | access-date=1 December 2023}} </ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Prakoso | first=Rayhan Aulia | title=Balai Pemuda Surabaya: Spot Wisata Sejarah yang Kekinian | website=kotomono.co | date=22 June 2023 | url=https://kotomono.co/balai-pemuda-surabaya-spot-wisata-sejarah-yang-kekinian/ | language=id | access-date=11 August 2023}} </ref>
During the colonial era, Simpangsche Societeit served as an exclusive club where parties, informal meetings, dances, and other elite entertainment took place. It symbolized Western culture's influence and the dominance of the colonial government. However, after Indonesia gained independence, Balai Pemuda transformed its purpose. It became a hub for youth activities, focusing on education, arts, and culture. Today, it continues to thrive as a cultural center, promoting heritage preservation and community engagement.<ref>{{cite web | last=Alfian | first=Fahmi | title=Sejarah Balai Pemuda: Perubahan fungsi dari Tempat Kaum Elit Belanda menjadi Bangunan Cagar Budaya | website=surabayaonline.co | date=3 October 2021 | url=https://surabayaonline.co/2021/10/03/sejarah-balai-pemuda-perubahan-fungsi-dari-tempat-kaum-elit-belanda-menjadi-bangunan-cagar-budaya/ | language=id | access-date=7 September 2023}} </ref>
==See also== {{portal|Indonesia}} *Indonesian architecture *Colonial architecture in Surabaya *Neo Renaissance Style
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== {{refbegin}} * {{cite news |last1=Jayakarna |first1=Agnes S. |title=Historical buildings repainted as part of heritage revamp |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/05/11/historical-buildings-repainted-part-heritage-revamp.html |access-date=3 March 2025 |work=The Jakarta Post |date=11 May 2010 |language=en}} {{refend}}
==External links== {{commons category-inline}} * {{cite web |author=Jack Jacops |title=Simpang Club Surabaya 1938 vs Now |url=https://community.oppo.com/thread/1556905948390359043 |website=OPPO Global Community |access-date=5 March 2025 |language=en |date=21 March 2024}} – collection of historic and recent photographs of the building
Category:Buildings and structures in Surabaya Category:Tourist attractions in East Java Category:1907 establishments in the Dutch East Indies Category:Surabaya
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