Hello, adventurous souls! Today, let’s embark on a thrilling journey to uncover one of Semarang’s most intriguing mysteries – the legendary Devil’s Building. Nestled in the heart of Semarang, Central Java, this building has a fascinating history intertwined with the secretive world of Freemasonry.
Semarang, known for its bustling trade and rich history, has long been a melting pot of cultures and influences. Among these influences was the European-born organization, Freemasonry, which once thrived in this vibrant city.
According to local historian Johanes Cristiono, the Freemasons were indeed active in Semarang. Their activities were centered in a building on Jalan Imam Bonjol, originally named La Constante et Fidele, built in 1801. This building served as a meeting place for those interested in mysticism and spiritualism, earning it the local nickname “Gedung Setan” or the Devil’s Building.
A Gathering Place for the Unseen
From the beginning, the Devil’s Building functioned as a hub for Freemason meetings. Contrary to popular belief, Freemasonry is not a religious group but often attracts influential individuals to join its ranks. This building was no ordinary structure; it was where members conducted their secretive rituals, including spirit summoning and other mystical practices.
Many locals recount eerie tales of supernatural sightings, particularly a tall, bearded man seen wandering the premises at night. These ghostly encounters were so frequent that parents would often warn their children to steer clear of the area.
Johanes Cristiono vividly remembers these warnings from his childhood about 60 years ago. “My parents always told me to stay away from that place because of the spirits. I followed their advice and never played near the building,” he reminisced.
The End of an Era
The legacy of the Devil’s Building came to an end when President Soekarno banned Freemasonry activities in Indonesia. In 1973, the building was repurposed as the office for the High Prosecutor’s Office of Central Java. However, in 1976, the office relocated to Jalan Pahlawan, and the Devil’s Building was demolished to make way for new office buildings.
Freemasonry wasn’t limited to Semarang; its influence spread to other Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Even in Salatiga, a hearse adorned with Freemason symbols was discovered, hinting at the widespread reach of this secretive society.
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