Kesawan: Where Medan's History Lives
Jalan Kesawan is arguably the most historically significant street in Medan. During the Dutch colonial era, this was the commercial and administrative heart of what was then a booming plantation city. Today, despite the passage of time and the pressures of modernization, the street retains a remarkable collection of colonial-era buildings that transport visitors back to the early 20th century.
This guide walks you through the most notable heritage landmarks along and around Kesawan, giving you context for what you're seeing and why it matters.
The London Sumatra Building (Lonsum)
One of the most photographed structures on Jalan Kesawan, the London Sumatra Building — locally known as the Gedung Lonsum — is a striking example of Dutch colonial commercial architecture. Built in the early 1900s, it features ornate pilasters, arched windows, and a commanding corner facade. It originally served as the headquarters of the London-Sumatra tobacco and rubber trading company, a reminder of the plantation economy that built Medan's early wealth.
The Old Post Office (Kantor Pos Lama)
The historic post office building near Kesawan is another colonial gem. With its thick walls, high ceilings, and classical European proportions, it reflects the Dutch approach to constructing civic institutions designed to impress and endure. Parts of the building still function today, giving it a living continuity with the past.