Kelanawisata.id, Yogyakarta – Travel Buddies, when passing through the Kotabaru area—specifically at the intersection near Kotabaru Church—have you ever noticed a small, quaint building that looks a bit quirky by the roadside? The building isn’t large, but its sturdy structure and distinctive Dutch architecture are quite eye-catching.

Let’s get to know it—that’s Babon Aniem. Though small in size, this little building stands as a witness to the very first time electric light shone in the land of Yogyakarta. For travelers hearing its name for the first time, “Babon” in Javanese means “mother” or “center,” while “Aniem” is an acronym for Algemene Nederlandsch Indische Electrisch Maatscapij—the general electricity company during the Dutch East Indies era.

Built around the early 20th century, this Babon Aniem in Kotabaru served as a power substation or main transformer during its time. Its role was crucial: supplying electricity to illuminate the elite residential areas of that era. Babon Aniem is located at three different sites. These house-like structures can be found on Jalan Faridan M. Noto in Kotabaru, on the west side of Kewek Bridge, and on the west side of Kotagede Market.

While we now view it as an artistic cultural heritage site, this place was once the cutting-edge technological hub that ensured the lights shone brightly. Although its function as a power substation has now been replaced by modern technology, its existence is preserved as a reminder of the early days of modernization in Yogyakarta.

“This is unique, isn’t it? It looks like a house, but it stands all alone at the intersection, and it’s too small to be a house. This Dutch-style building is important to preserve as a living history in Jogja,” said Fajri, one of the visitors who stopped by near Babon Aniem Kotabaru.

After taking plenty of photos of Babon Aniem, don’t rush home, fellow travelers! Babon Aniem is the gateway to the enchanting Kotabaru district. This area is known as “Little Europe” due to its urban layout, which still retains the elegant European architectural style. Around Kotabaru, you can find St. Anthony of Padua Church, the Syuhada Mosque—a magnificent mosque with the first dome in Yogyakarta—and heritage school buildings at State High School 3 Yogyakarta and State Junior High School 5 Yogyakarta.

While Kotagede is an old town with a royal-style atmosphere, Kotabaru is an old town with a European-style atmosphere. The historical value of both areas serves as a tourist attraction that travelers can visit to experience a journey through history. Kotabaru is the best spot for street photography. Start at Babon Aniem, then stroll along the wide sidewalks beneath the shade of lush trees. The architecture of the old buildings here offers a unique experience that travelers can discover.

One unique aspect of Babon Aniem is its resilience. Despite being situated amidst heavy traffic and rapid changes of the times, this building remains standing strong. The Yogyakarta City Government also regularly beautifies this area, making it one of the heritage icons that remains relevant to today’s generation.

Travelers, history isn’t always about grand buildings or majestic palaces. Sometimes, it takes the form of a small building like Babon Aniem, which once illuminated this city. Visiting here is a simple yet meaningful way to appreciate the remnants of past civilizations. It’s located on the side of the road, which you can find west of Kridosono Stadium. So, when will you invite a friend or partner to take a stroll through Yogyakarta’s “Little Europe”?