Titi Gantung: Its Historical Significance and Future Developments

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Located right at the heart of the Medan City, Titi Gantung is one of the historical landmarks of Medan. It is a suitable hangout place during nighttime as you get to see a horizontal view of Medan, the crowded Merdeka Walk and the park while waiting for the train to pass, reminiscing about the nostalgia of Medan’s past. The historical value of this bridge can be dated back to 1885 when it was built by the railway company Spoorweg Maatschappij during the Dutch colonial era.

Located near the Medan railway station, Titi Gantung means ‘bridge over the railway’. It is between the commercial district around Merdeka Square, Kesawan, Hotel de Boer and De Javasche Bank with crowded residential communities in Jawa Street. It is considered to be one of the most significant structures in Medan along with Tirtanadi Water Tower and the Medan City Hall. It was originally built as a road and pedestrian foot traffic, railway passengers and even tourists, visitors and spectators for various activities like the ‘night market’ in Merdeka Square.

With its sturdy construction, equipped with winding beautiful ornaments, it became a popular place for people crossing with bicycle or by foot while observing the train station. In addition to the solid wall made from thick iron and the unique appearance when viewed from Jalan Penang, it has a height of 7 – 8 meters from the base of the road and a width of 40 – 50 meters. The right side of the bridge is made of tiered way or stairs while on the other side is a continuous asphalt road. On the other hand, the bottom part of the bridge has two gates with road that connects to Jalan Veteran and Jalan Penang.

For many years, its existence gradually experienced new phases of development, being a book haven place in Medan. Today, the bookstalls have been transferred to Merdeka Square, which is a much better location and more comfortable to the eyes than the once overcrowded condition in the bridge. However, several booksellers remain faithful to Titi Gantung. Later in the process, it was redeveloped again, and it is now currently structured and polished by the local government, intended as part of a major recreational place in the city. Actually, as of today, the project completed the design and construction durability phase. Titi Gantung and four other areas including Taman Ahmad Yani, Elizabeth Regions Hospital, Regions Petisah Pagaruyung and Center for Food will be proclaimed as the new icon of Medan.

In fact, the Mayor of Medan Rahudman Harahap revealed the plan of opening the bridge for 24 hours, transforming it as the center of accessory sales and culinary of Medan. With this plan called Pemko Medan, souvenirs and other local handicrafts will be displayed from morning until evening. Then, from night until morning, culinary merchandise and other distinct local food products will be sold.

Titi Gantung belongs to the 39 buildings of Regional Regulation No. 9 of 1988, which is related to the Building and Environmental Preservation of historically valuable Architectural Antiquities in Medan City. With its distinct Dutch architecture, this historical structure is indeed one of the many Medan structures one should not miss.