Kelanawisata.id, Surakarta - Fellow Travelers, just as England has its legendary Abbey Road Studios, Indonesia has its own “eldest sibling”—no less charismatic—right here in the city of Solo. Its name is Lokananta. This place is not merely an old, dusty building, but a giant “music box” that holds the beating heart of the nation’s musical history.

Located in Kerten, Laweyan, Surakarta, this building preserves the history of Indonesia’s musical journey. Lokananta was once a vinyl record factory, a music duplication center, and eventually a state-owned recording studio and record label under the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Indonesia.

After undergoing a massive revitalization process, the new face of Lokananta—now popularly known as Lokananta Bloc—has transformed into the hottest creative hub in Surakarta. Founded by Raden Maladi on October 29, 1959, Lokananta played a significant role in the development of the national music industry.

More than just an ordinary museum, Lokananta was the first state-owned recording studio, now transformed into the “Indonesian Music Heritage Destination” and a popular tourism icon, especially among young people. Today’s Lokananta Museum is no longer a quiet, closed-off studio. Following its revitalization, the area has become a highly interactive and Instagram-worthy music museum.

Lokananta stands as a silent witness to the birth of timeless works by legends such as Gesang with his “Bengawan Solo,” Waldjinah, the Queen of Keroncong, and the musical geniuses Bing Slamet and Titiek Puspa. It can be said that without Lokananta, the face of Indonesian music might not be as vibrant as it is today.

Additionally, visitors can witness the evolution of music technology firsthand, from a German-made vinyl cutting machine from the 1960s to a cassette tape duplicating machine that once operated day and night. It is a living history that we can hear and read today.

Lokananta Bloc is located not far from Purwosari Station. Travelers can walk the 1.6 km distance from Purwosari Station. The complex is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. To visit the Gallery, travelers can come between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Travelers can book a visit on the official Lokananta website or click on the Lokananta Gallery.