Lawang Sewu is a landmark in Semarang

Lawang Sewu is a landmark in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.The Lawang Sewu complex was in a state of considerable dilapidation.Simon Marcus Gower, writing in The Jakarta Post, noted it as being "dark and evidently sick. Its white walls are faded throughout blackened by pollution and neglect. Rendered walls are cracked and any wall paper has long since fallen away to reveal the red bricks beneath. Mould and weeds grow over much of the building and mice and rats are the chief residents.The building soon underwent renovations to ensure that it would be profitable as a tourist attraction.Governor of Central Java Bibit Waluyo mobilized several dozen soldiers to assist with the renovations; the soldiers focused on external repairs. Local residents were disappointed in the renovations, opining that it had lost its authenticity.